New caravan park near Llanfair
By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter
Despite objections by residents and Llanfair Caerenion Town Council, plans to place 23 static caravans at the hamlet of Melin-y-Ddol have been approved by Powys County Council (PCC) planning committee.
The application had been brought down to 23 from 26 as it would have affected the visual impact of Grade II listed mill – Melin-y-Ddol.
The parents of applicant Philip Pryce had an old historic permission to place 51 caravans there from the 1970s.
Planning officer, Holly Hobbs, said that this was a “material consideration”.
Local councillor, Gareth Jones, told councillors that the site had only ever “had a handful” of caravans and it had not been occupied since 1982.
Cllr Jones finished by adding: “If you do feel you have to support this and I hope you don’t, that there will be a condition limiting this to 23 and no more. As this will have a huge impact within a small community.”
Mr Pryce told the committee that his family had started diversifying into the tourism industry in the 1970s.
“Further development to Dolgead is restricted by highways access,” he said. “We are so incredibly lucky to live in this part of the world. But it is a recognised fact that the rural economy is struggling and needs the financial support that tourism brings.
“The existing caravan park at Melin-y-Ddol sadly brings nothing positive to the area. If the application is successful we intend to make a large financial investment to create a high quality tourist accommodation.
“We’re keen to work with local people to develop a park that enhances the area.”
Cllr Elwyn Vaughan believed that the historic planning permission was a “red herring” as being close to the River Banwy, he believed it would not be insured.
He was told by Ms Hobbs that the plan was still valid and that: “Insurance is a separate issue.”
Forden councillor Linda Corfield said: “With the fall-back position of the extant planning permission I think there’s little option but to support this.”
Welshpool councillor Phil Pritchard added: “There is no question in my mind there is a demand there for caravan parks. Particularly down that valley. A reference (in the report) is made about the A458 being the main transport route through to Snowdonia and the National Park.
“I’m one who believes we should keep the custom in our county and not let it all go off to Snowdonia.”
Cllr Pritchard added that he would move the recommendation to approve the application which was passed by 11 votes to four.
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