Aeronwy Thomas is a regular visitor to the area

Aeronwy Thomas has lodged an objection with Carmarthenshire Council about the development at Fern Hill near Llangain.

The poet, whose death 50 years ago is being marked with a festival in Swansea this week, wrote about the house and its surroundings when staying there with relatives as a boy.

Members of the council's planning committee have delayed making a ruling on the application until they have seen the site for themselves.

There has to be some sort of boundary and respect for the area's history Aeronwy Thomas

Planning officers had recommended that the application by a local farmer was approved.

Six fields would be used to create the track for quad bikers and off road drivers in 4x4 vehicles.

Dylan had a nomadic lifestyle in west Wales during World War II

Mrs Thomas visited the owners of Fern Hill in the summer to offer her support in their fight against the application.

Listed building

The house is currently owned by Ken Davies and his wife Maureen.

Mrs Davies said: "Fern Hill is a listed building and as the owner I have a statutory duty to preserve and enhance the ethos of the complete holding.

"We strongly object to the proposed development."

Mrs Thomas, who lives in London but regularly visits the area, said tourists and residents had a right to expect the area to remain unspoilt.

"I understand the need to boost tourism and provide leisure facilities, but there has to be some sort of boundary and respect for the area's history."

Wildlife trust

Four of eight letters of objection were withdrawn after alterations were made to the plan and three letters in favour have been submitted.

Supporters said the area lacked leisure facilities and the track would benefit local youngsters.

They also said it would bring more visitors to the area and could sustain jobs.

The Countryside Council for Wales, Wildlife Trust West Wales and local AM Christine Gwyther have also backed it.