Council plots new estate for Llanfyllin

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter

A development of bungalows or family homes would be preferred to flats at a prominent site on the way into a Powys town, a councillor has said.

A planning application that could see 16 council flats and houses be built in Llanfyllin has been formally lodged with Powys planners.

The application by Nicola Downes of Powys County Council’s housing services is for land opposite Maesydre in the town.

The council propose eight one-bedroom flats, four one-bedroom bungalows, two two-bedroom houses and two four-bedroom houses.

The application going live comes hot on the heels of a month-long pre-application consultation which finished on December 6, and gave locals the chance to have their say on the proposal.

Llanfyllin town councillor, Lynnette Kretchmar, said: “(I) understand the reason for development, would prefer bungalows or family homes to one-bedroom flats. Would prefer a more adventurous high-quality design for such a prime location at the entrance of town.”

Planning agent, Dylan Green of Asbri Planning Limited, said: “The scheme has evolved slightly over different iterations albeit the principles have remained consistent; to build much needed affordable homes which complements the existing residential context and positively responses to the site’s opportunities and constraints.

“From the initial indicative scheme, the layout has demonstrated the site’s ability to accommodate 16 homes at a mix of one, two, and four-bedroom units.”

As the site has already been allocated for housing in the Powys Local Development Plan (LDP) and a historic planning permission still exists there, Mr Green believes the principle of development is “established”.

He added: “The proposed development presents an opportunity for Powys County Council to deliver much needed affordable housing provision in a sustainable location within a town.

“The proposed development will result in the delivery of a mix of housing tenure in a highly sought-after area where there is a significant housing need whilst being in-keeping with the residential context.”

A decision on the application is expected to be made by March 3 and as the proposal is one by the council, it should go in front of the Planning Committee to be mulled over by councillors.