Controversial village housing approved

Plans to build four new houses in Llanerfyl, including one affordable home have been approved by Powys planners.

Earlier this year, a detailed reserved matters planning application to build four dwellings at Derwen on Talerddig Road, was submitted to Powys County Council (PCC) by a Mr D Jones

Outline planning permission for the site was given in March 2018.

The development is for two four bedroom houses, a three bedroom bungalow, and a three bedroom affordable home.

During the process letters of objection to the proposal relating largely to the principle of development, loss of views and concerns regarding ecology, access, public transport, traffic, pollution, noise, facilities and traffic/highways had been received .

Llanerfyl community council had also raised concerns that the new footpath along the road would create a safety issue.

Planning case officer, Rhys Evans, said: “The principle of development as to whether four residential dwellings is appropriate at this location has previously been considered and was approved with conditional consent.

“It is further noted that details regarding access to the site was considered as part of reserved matters application.

“The dwellings are considered proportionate to the site, their scale is in-keeping with the area and form a consistent line, set back from the highway, with Derwen, the adjoining property.

“The surrounding area accommodates a range of buildings which vary in terms of materials, scale and design.”

He added that data on affordable housing demand for the area showed that only one person had Llanerfyl down as a first choice area to be housed.

But, 10 other people on the list, had three bedroom dwellings in Llanerfyl down as their second choice.

Mr Evans said: “The development of one, three-bedroom affordable dwelling at this location will therefore contribute towards a proven local need.

“It is considered that the proposed development fundamentally complies with relevant planning policy and the recommendation is one of conditional consent.”

Agent, Gerallt Davies of Roger Parry and Partners, said in a design and access statement that accompanied the proposal that the scale of the properties would make them “naturally affordable”.

This in turn would appeal to “young local people”.

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter