The go-ahead has been given to a controversial opencast mining plan which will create 138 jobs at a pit near Ammanford in west Wales.

The decision by Neath Port Talbot Council on Monday was witnessed by a packed public gallery full of objectors and campaigners.

The feeling was one of relief, there were men, wives and children there Gareth Jones, T&G union

Now a liaison group to address local concerns about the future of the plan - such as dust and noise worries - will be set up by the applicants Celtic Energy.

The seven-year plan at Gwaun Cae Gurwen will see overall responsibility being taken by UK Coal.

"We are absolutely delighted with the decision," said Gareth Jones, of the Transport and General Workers' Union.

"The feeling was one of relief, there were men, wives and children there," he said.

"We were always hopeful about the decision.

"Those who were against the plan made their feelings known - they were always going to be against us.

"And our members made their feelings known outside the building with placards," he added.

Company celebrates

A Celtic Energy spokesman said the company was delighted the council has granted the planning application.

The spokesman said a refusal would have been a significant blow not only to Celtic Energy but also to the future of the coal producing industry in Wales.

Our main concern is for the future and for colleagues' jobs Clem Llewellyn, miner

A report had recommended refusal and councillors had decided to defer the application for a site visit.

Clem Llewelyn, a miner of 36 years and secretary of the pro-mining Opencast Coal Committee of Wales, said the coal plan was needed to keep other mining sites going.

"We are all working for jobs - our main concern is for the future and for colleagues' jobs," he said.

Geoff White, head of planning at Neath Port Talbot Council, said councillors decided, on balance, the economic benefits outweighed the environmental impacts.

He added: "Councillors have granted planning consent upon the signing of a legal agreement, requiring a restoration fund and offsite environmental improvements."

Objectors' fears

However, the plan had many objectors.

Concerns were raised about noise and some people say they have had enough of opencast mining, dust and noise.

Several organisations, including Carmarthenshire County Council, also raised concerns.

As well as the visual effect of the plans, the impact on the communities of Cefn-Bryn-Brain, Rhosaman, and Cwmllynfell was also considered.