Planning bid blocked

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter

A planning application to remove a section 106 clause from a house near Llangadfan, which restricts its occupancy, was refused by the Powys County Council planning committee.

Councillors heard that a family needed to raise money by re-mortgaging their house so that they could make alterations at Rhandir, near Llangadfan.

This is due to a family illness and the need for a carer to have a space to work from home. The condition is that the house has to stay as an affordable home. This means that they were unable to get a new mortgage from their bank.

Planning officers in their report had recommended refusing the application.

Speaking as a local member, Cllr Myfanwy Alexander, explained: “I think it’s very relevant that, Cynefin, who operate Tai Teg who provide affordable housing in Llangadfan, have themselves applied for variation on local housing restriction as they don’t perceive that there is any market for very low cost properties. It was built by a young couple who had been renting for five years.

“They had come to the area for her to work as a NHS nurse and for him to work in a business located in Llangadfan as a landscape architect.”

Cllr Alexander added that the house was 45 square metres bigger than affordable housing level and said: “It’s known as the ‘modern house’, it’s eco-friendly and sustainable. They were building a family home not one to make a fast buck.

“They have applied for a mortgage three times but have not been given one because of the s106.”

She believed that policies would allow the restriction to be taken away.

Principal planning officer Louise Evans explained to the committee that the applicant hadn’t provided the necessary evidence to show the need to change the occupancy restriction. One of these tests would be to put the house for sale.

Cllr Jonathan Wilkinson asked: “If the applicant had gone through the marketing obligation, would that then satisfy you and allow them to progress on to the next stage?”

Ms Evans, said: “Yes, of course we would accept that. If it was marketed at a reasonable price and no-one came forward then that would be categorical. We would then be prepared to lift the obligation and this has happened elsewhere.”

Ms Evans added that the applicant had provided evidence of the re-mortgage with his current lender, but pointed out there are others to try.

Cllr Hywel Lewis said: “Plots are cheaper and as a result the property is cheaper, that should be retained as much as possible and I support the recommendation.”

Cllr Francesca Jump added that she accepted the report and seconded the motion.

Councillors voted unanimously to refuse the application.