Formally called a Health Improvement and Well-being Centre, Hywel Dda say the purpose of the centre is to help improve the health and well-being of the community by providing services for children, young people and adults who wish to seek support with lifestyle behaviour change.
The original planning application included space for the health board’s Health Improvement and Well-being public health team, the smoking cessation service, the children and young people’s early intervention and prevention service delivered by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service, psychology services for both adults and children and the health board Community Drug and Alcohol Team.
More than 200 people had protested against the health board’s plans amid claims the centre would pose a danger to local residents, particularly with its proximity to a nearby playground.
Carmarthenshire Council’s planning committee rejected the proposals by nine votes to four, with protestors heckling the four councillors who voted in favour shouting “shame on you” repeatedly.
Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “Following consideration with our partners, we have come to the conclusion that there is a need for a Health and Well-being Centre in Carmarthenshire and that the Anchor Point building in North Dock is the best place for this.
“A new health improvement and well-being centre in Llanelli is essential to the health board’s strategy of shifting services from treating illness, to promoting and supporting wellness, working with partners, communities, patients and public to enable our community to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and tackle the leading causes of preventable ill health and early death.
“Smoking, alcohol and drug misuse are among the leading causes of preventable ill health and early death and tackling these issues are strategic priorities for the health board and members of the Area Planning Board.
“We engaged with the local community at the time of the original application and although some concerns were raised, there was also support shown for the plans by the local community during the consultation events and at the planning committee.
“The health board will continue to engage with the local community regarding this proposed development.”
The application will now be submitted to Planning Environmental Decisions Wales (PEDW), a Welsh Government body which manages casework relating to the development and use of land in the public interest.
(Lead image: Hywel Dda NHS)
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