WORKS involving heavy machinery on land at Bathhouse where a plan to build a Sainsbury’s superstore has been scrapped have sparked fresh concerns in Cardigan over the viability and delay of the new health resource centre on the same site.

The supermarket giant say the works are necessary and there are no plans whatsoever for any development of the land.

Ceredigion County Council granted planning permission for the store in 2008 but developers experienced extensive problems with land stability.

In November, 2014 the Tivy-Side reported exclusively that Sainsbury’s would not go ahead with the £50m project when a source said “I have been involved on the public relations side of the Cardigan development and can say that the proposed store at Bathhouse will not be built.”

This was later confirmed by the company.

In relation to the current work now being carried out, Sainsbury’s said ground works are being undertaken so that the site is ready for future development and can be put on the market.

A spokesperson said “We are simply carrying out some improvement works to the site which we are committed to do.”

In relation to the proposed care centre, Hywel Dda Health Board said there was nothing new to report but that has not pacified locals, many of whom have consistently claimed the site is totally unsuitable for a build.

In 2014 the Health Board announced that construction work on the centre would start early this year but there has been no sign of this, prompting further anxiety.

The Board also stated that architects, developers and health care planners had been appointed and ground investigation work undertaken.

A spokesperson said “The challenges on site will be addressed as part of the planning and design process.”

Geraint Evans, who farmed at Bathhouse for many years, said: “I am amazed that consideration is being given to build a hospital on the land.

“There are numerous underground springs and I do not believe it is advisable to develop the site.”

Told about concerns, a health board spokesperson said “Matters are currently in the planning stages and work to correct the land issues at the adjoining site is in the initial mobilisation phase.

“Further details will be provided when available.”