35 new homes approved

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter 

The principle of building 35 affordable homes in Four Crosses has been agreed.

Powys County Council’s (PCC) Planning Committee discussed outline plans submitted by developers P and S Davies for land at Gornal Farm.

Objections had been raised with Cllr Arwel Jones ‘calling-in’ the application to be decided by the committee as the land for the proposal is outside the Local Development Plan (LDP) for the village. However the spot is classed as an “exception site” which means only certain types of development, such as affordable homes, can be built there.

Cllr Jon Willians said: “I do have concerns, this is outside the boundary, if we do pass this we could be setting a precedent.

“This is not one or two, this is an extension by 35 houses, the line is drawn for a reason, and if this is passed the boundary would be meaningless.”

It was explained that the site is 100 per cent affordable housing and that the local authority’s waiting list showed the need for this type of housing in the “Welshpool triangle”.

Mid Wales Housing is believed to be looking to take the site.

“There is enough evidence out there to say it’s needed.”

Cllr Gwilym Williams questioned whether the sewage network in the area could take the extra houses and avoid pollution issues but it was explained that a condition could be added to the planning permission for a detailed foul and surface water drainage plan to be submitted before any building work starts.

Cllr Huw Williams said: “I’m surprised that we have concerns expressed by owners of a commercial and industrial site.”

The objectors feared that future commercial ventures could be restricted due to the houses being built next to them.

Th council’s planning officer advised that those enterprises are “long established” and there would not necessarily be any restrictions on them.

The plans were approved with 11 votes for, three against and one abstention.