A LAST-DITCH block has been placed on plans for 205 homes in Llanelli as the town's development stalemate continues.

Charles Church Wales wants to build a luxury residential estate on the Machynys peninsula. But the scheme has attracted controversy amid the row over the effect the town's sewers could be having on water quality in the Loughor Estuary.

Yesterday, Carmarthenshire Council planning bosses had been expected to approve the scheme, but a last-gasp directive from the Assembly put a spanner in the works.

It is understood that environmentalists want it to be looked at in more detail before any permission is given.

The Charles Church development is planned next to the Machynys Peninsula Golf and Country Club.

There had been hopes that the scheme would give the Llanelli economy a boost.

But the Article 14 Direction prevents the council from approving the development until it is lifted.

Council head of planning Eifion Bowen said: "Due to adverse weather, yesterday's planning meeting was postponed until January 19, by which time we hope the matter will be resolved."