Country hall extension plans resubmitted

Plans to extend a country hall between Welshpool and Newtown which is used as a wedding venue have been lodged once again with Powys County Council.

The application by Robert Pugh is for a 197 square metre extension to be built at the Grade II listed Garthmyl Hall which is near the A483 main road.

The proposal would replace a marquee which is used as a wedding venue there.

A similar application as well as a listed building application were lodged with Powys planners last summer.

However, the plans were withdrawn in August after concerns were raised by heritage organisations that the scheme proposed at that time, would harm the “overall aesthetic appeal” of the building.

Planning agent Gerallt Davies, of Roger Parry and Partners, believes that these issues have now been overcome in the fresh application.

Mr Davies explained that a meeting was held with the council’s built heritage officer and other consultees to discuss a “way forward” for the project.

Mr Davies said: “After lengthy discussions and proposed amendments a scheme has been found which ensures the extension is fully in keeping with the hall.”

“When looking at the proposed extension, we have been mindful of the existing exterior walls and their heritage significance.

“Where possible, we have utilised the existing doorway and retained the external wall and window as part of the interior for the proposed extension.

“The frontal elevation of the property will remain unchanged by the proposal. and there will be no internal alterations.”

Mr Davies explains that the country house has been used as a wedding venue since 2014 and has had a marquee structure on the ground floor for this purpose.

Mr Davies said:  “Although the business is still doing well  the function area being the marquee structure has always been a sore point not only for the applicants but for guests.

“The marquee does not fit in with the essence of the site or building.

“To replace it with a formal extension, sympathetic to the hall but making a viable function room will indeed improve the site once again.”

Garthmyl Hall was built in 1762 and remodelled in 1859 by James K. Colling for Major Gould.

Its significance is because it is seen as a fine example of an Italianate country house of the mid-19th century.

A decision on the application is expected by March 4.

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporting Service