APPROVAL has been granted for massive new 160-acre bait farm to be built in west Wales.
Councillors gave the thumbs up to the ragworm farm scheme on Thursday, and those behind the Carmarthenshire project will now apply for a European grant to help them complete the £4.5m project which is expected to create up to 130 jobs. Dragon Baits LTD already employ 14 people at their aquaculture enterprise in Baglan, Port Talbot.
Works manager Tony Smith claims Wales is world leader ragworm farming and the development at Pendine will enhance this position.
Campaigners against the scheme had claimed a bordering site of special scientific interest would be adversely affected as they feared the ponds could pollute beaches in Pendine and the estuary, affecting cockle beds in Carmarthen Bay. The Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB) and The Countryside Council for Wales were among those who raised concerns over the plans, but their fears were dismissed and if funding is granted work will begin next year.