Councillors clash over barn conversion

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans to convert a barn in Llangadfan into a holiday let will be discussed at Powys County Council’s Planning committee on Thursday after it was called in by a councillor.

The application for Hafod Barn has been made by Llanwrtyd Wells Land and Estate Ltd, a company owned by Powys County Councillor for Llanwrtyd Wells, Tim Van Rees.

Llanwrtyd Wells is around 60 miles south of Llangadfan and the plans have received nine objections.

Planning applications by councillors and council staff are automatically sent to the committee for a decision.

Cllr Myfanwy Alexander, who represents the area, had also “called in” the application to be decided at committee and objects to the proposal.

Cllr Alexander said: “The B4395 is not a small or quiet road, as reflected by its local designation as The Turnpike. This road is the main route between the trunk road (A483) and the nationally recognised visitor attraction, Lake Vyrnwy.

“The B4395 winds its way through very hilly terrain and at Hafod, there is a tight bend, currently the site of frequent accidents.

“In essence, the only way to improve access to the proposed site would be for a major re-engineering of the B4395, a project which is unlikely to be funded to access one holiday home. ”

Cllr Alexander added that she “takes issue” with the contribution the development would make to tourism in the area and pointed out to several camping and caravan sites run by local families.

Cllr Alexander said: “There is no economic imperative to allow this development.”

Agent Naomi Law of Barry Tomlinson Architectural Service explained the proposal in a design and access statement.

She said: “The existing barn is in good condition but is no longer used for its original agricultural purpose. The rural character of the barn is fully preserved through use of existing openings for windows and doors, with no additions to the building.

“The corrugated sheeting roof will be removed, and the slate roof reinstated. The tourism development will support the local economy through visitor spending and will support existing facilities and attractions.”

Powys County Council planning officer, Rhys Evans, said: “Subject to the inclusion of all recommended conditions, it is considered that the proposed development complies with relevant planning policy, and the recommendation is conditional consent.”

A previous planning application to turn the barn into a residential home was withdrawn.

One of the 22 conditions imposed on the planning permission, should councillors vote in favour of the proposal, is that the building would be used as holiday accommodation only.

An up-to-date register will need to be kept and be available for inspection.

The register will have the names, main home addresses and their date of arrival and departure from the accommodation of all visitors.