The community's elephant, Valli

The community - Skanda Vale - was established on a small farm nearly 30 years ago and has its origins in Sri Lanka.

The site now covers more than 100 acres and attracts 50,000 pilgrims every year to its grounds and three temples.

One of the temples is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There is also an animal sanctuary including their elephant - Valli.

The community offers care and support for 200 local people and wanted to expand that work by establishing a permanent hospice.

Brother Alex, community secretary at Skada Vale, said; "The decision is very difficult for us to understand.

"What we are offering is a free service with no strings attached and independently financed.

Dismayed: Brother Alex

"We've racked our brains to find a reason why anybody should want to oppose what essentially is a gift to the community."

No site visit

Carmarthenshire Council's planning committee did not visit the site before making its decision and Rhodri Glyn Thomas - Plaid Cymru AM for Carmarthen East - said members of the committee should have done so.

"I am very disappointed with the decision.

"I think planners should have a presumption in favour in these situations because the end result would be so important for the county.

"What we've got here is a very conservative interpretation of planning regulations."

"We've lost a very important resource here for which there is a great need."