Llanelli Scarlets’ plans to move into a new £15m, 13,500-capacity stadium have been delayed by a second public enquiry.

The Welsh Rugby Union team first announced plans to move to a new ground in Pemberton in 2004, but residents near the club’s existing Stradey Park have objected to the planned building of 450 houses on the land.

The BBC quoted Carmarthen county councillor John Jenkins as saying “the land next to Stradey Park was given to the people of Llanelli in the 1950s with the express proviso it should not be used for housing but for recreational purposes.

“This land should not be used for commercial gain by a private company. The Scarlets’ problems are of their own making.”

The original plans were called in by the Welsh Assembly Government in summer 2006 and delays have already cost the Scarlets more than £5m.

Stuart Gallacher, chief executive of the Llanelli Scarlets, said: “In the public enquiry held in January this year, we demonstrated beyond reproach that our plans were sound in planning law and this was vindicated when we eventually received the Welsh Assembly Government’s positive decision at the end of June.

“We would like to reassure our supporters that we are as committed as we have ever been to delivering an iconic stadium at Pemberton that will secure top-class rugby for the people of our region.”

The new stadium – which is part of a £45m redevelopment project – was going to be paid for by the sale of the Stradey Park land and subsidised by Carmarthenshire Council as well as the club itself.