A decision over whether or not a controversial �4.5m fishing bait farm in west Wales will go ahead is expected to be made on Thursday.

Carmarthenshire councillors are due to announce their findings following a site visit to the company's other enterprise in Baglan, Port Talbot.

ultimately the decision made on Thursday will determine the future of the site

Stuart Owen, Carmartheshire councillor

The ragworm farm - next to Pendine Beach - would be made up of 300 ponds and could create up to 130 jobs.

Concerns have been raised over the plans by conservationists who fear there could be a detrimental impact on the environment.

Earlier this month members of the local authority were lobbied by campaigners - in support of the project - as they viewed the area where the 160 acre farm would be developed.

Following the visit councillors said they would wait to see if the Welsh Assembly wanted to take a closer look at the plans before they announced their decision.

The final decision will be made at County Hall

The council's planning manager Stuart Owen said they are now able to decide the future of the site.

"The decision will be taken on Thursday over whether or not to allow the building of the ragworm farm in Pendine.

"The assembly have decided not to call in the plans for further consideration, so ultimately the decision made on Thursday will determine the future of the site."

Dragon Baits Limited supply the fishing industry with live bait from their aquaculture enterprise at Baglan.

The company want to expand their operations but claim there is no scope at the Baglan site.

Pollution fears

Supporters claim the Pendine development would create much needed jobs in an area which has seen a number of losses in recent years.

The land adjoins an old weapons testing range, which employed about 800 people until the 1960s.

But opposers to the scheme claimed the area - adjacent to a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) - would be adversely affected.

They fear the ponds could pollute beaches in Pendine and the estuary, affecting cockle beds in Carmarthen Bay.

The Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB), The Countryside Council for Wales have raised concerns over the plans.

Some fear the project could increase pollution and reduce the natural habitat for protected species in the area.