Glamping campsite approved
By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter
Sarah Whitley, of Ty’n yr Wtra, Brooks, had applied to change the use of agricultural land to a campsite, demolish existing agricultural outbuildings and build toilets and wash facilities.
The campsite would have 17 camping/glamping pitches, 19 parking spaces, three disabled parking spaces along with parking for 10 bicycles.
Customers could either bring their own tents or glamp in 3.6 metre high bell tents.
The application has faced stiff opposition in the area due to concerns about the extra vehicles travelling and people walking along narrow roads.
Before the site can be developed, widening and visibility works to improve the junction of the C2049/C2066 need to be made.
Cllr Gareth Pugh, speaking as a local member, said: “I would urge members to defer this application for a site visit, for you to make up your own minds, it will be too late once accidents have happened.”
His call was backed by Welshpool Cllr Phil Pritchard who said: “I am concerned. I know this area, if ever there are narrow roads anywhere this has its fair share.
“If ever there is a case for having a site visit for everyone to understand exactly what they are being asked to agree to this is exactly that case.”
He moved for a deferment but the vote was tied at eight each, with committee chairman, Cllr Karl Lewis using his casting vote against the site visit.
Earlier, agent Doug Hughes, on behalf of the applicant, said: “It’s hard to see where there is any development here save for a shower and toilet block which is hidden by the house.
“It’s part of a diversification scheme for a young family to generate income and contribute more fully to the county.
“There are concerns about the highway network but these have not been backed up by anything more than anecdotal and subjective comment.
“If the highways department had issue with this application we would not be sitting here right now.”
Mr Hughes added: “This is a small scale venture for a young family with two boys in the local school. We’re not talking Center Parcs here but a small number of tents on a lovely hillside.”
Cllr Gwilym Williams asked: “How do the Highways officers feel? Is this acceptable for public safety and for people to walk there?”
PCC highways network manager, Alastair Knox, said: “At the end of the day it comes down to an officer’s opinion. It’s not a black and white area.
“What’s been put forward offers benefit and we are comfortable that provided people use the road appropriately, then there should not be any greater risk than on the rest of the highway network.”
The application was passed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|