A former auction house is to be demolished as part of plans for a new place of worship in Cross Hands.

The auction house in Carmarthen Road sits alongside a storage building which will be extended and revamped to create a Kingdom Hall used by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Carmarthenshire Council’s planning committee approved plans for the Kingdom Hall despite access and traffic concerns.

Land at the site was said to have accommodated up to 100 vehicles for auctions and previews and planning officers considered the proposed use would lead to lower car numbers.

Enforcement action is also to be taken about an unauthorised wall which affects visibility near the site’s entrance.

Ward member councillor Dot Jones, opposed the application on access grounds, partly due to the site’s proximity to the junction with the A476.

She added: “Directly opposite are two successful businesses.

Cllr Mansel Charles said he felt a worship hall would be a more appropriate use of the site – originally a British Legion club – than its auction house function while councillor Sue Allen suggested the applicant should plant Devil’s-bit scabious flowers there to attract the threatened marsh fritillary butterfly.

Officers recommended the scheme for approval.

Cllr Kevin Madge proposed the committee undertook a site visit to see the access and layout first-hand which was seconded but then voted down.

Cllr Eirwyn Williams said there would be less noise and traffic associated with the Kingdom Hall than the auction house and added: “I don’t think we can go against the officers here.”