Some residents living near Stradey Park have opposed the homes

The Scarlets want to develop the land to pay for a new stadium, without which the club says it will go bust.

But as a public inquiry ended objectors urged planning inspector Clive Nield to set aside the implications for the financial future of the club.

The residents said there were fears at flooding, traffic issues, a loss of public space and over-development.

Their barrister Jonathan Edwards said: "The residents submit that there are 18 material breaches or thereabouts.

"The inquiry should be careful to distinguish between support for this application and support for past and future regional rugby in the area.

"There is a substantial basis for finding, as the residents seek, that rugby has sufficient resources to solve the problems in the Llanelli area without the need to grant this controversial planning permission."

We are optimistic that the plans will be approved and our future as a topflight rugby region will be secured. Huw Evans, Scarlets chairman

Friday's closing statements brought to an end the nine day hearing in the town.

Mr Nield is expected to submit his findings to the Welsh Assembly Government in about eight weeks time.

'Important decision'

Scarlets' chairman Huw Evans has asked that a decision be reached no later than April.

"As we stand this inquiry has cost the club in excess of �2.5m and each additional week that goes by adds to this amount," he said.

"We are confident that after the thorough process of testing our planning case at the inquiry our case is strong.

"We are optimistic that the plans will be approved and our future as a topflight rugby region will be secured.