Housing plans for former Guilsfield petrol station

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter

A former petrol station which has stood derelict for several years in the centre of Guilsfield is set to be converted into a housing estate.

The former Fairview Garage turned off its pumps some time ago, but was used for car sales until it was sold three years ago.

But planning permission for nine homes is being sought by Hughes Architects who are acting as the agent for owner, Nick Bradley.

In the Design and Access Statement (DAS) they say: “This application is made in outline and includes and comprises a former garage site in Guilsfield village. The site was bought by Mr Bradley in an auction back in 2015.”

Hughes Architects said that the site has been zoned as white land in the Local Development Plan (LDP) meaning there is a presumption in favour of development.

They continue in the DAS: “The site lies within close walking distance of facilities and services and which suggests that development would contribute to the sustainability of Guilsfield.

“Thereby supporting a safe, cohesive and resilient community, in accordance to the Well Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

“While our client will be required to commit one dwelling in accordance with the 10% policy of new developments, we have discussed with the Local Housing Authority the principle of making all nine units available for affordable housing.”

The proposal includes room for 17 car parking spaces and the estate could be a mixture of one, two and three bedroom houses.

The DAS continues: “The LDP identifies Guilsfield as a large village as categorised as being able able to accommodate housing growth both affordable and open market.”

It is expected that large villages such as Guilsfield, which had a population of 1,727 at the last census count in 2011, will drive 25% of housing growth in Powys during the next decade.