Party fears over planned holiday cabins

Plans to increase the number of holiday cabins near Newtown will be decided by county councillors following concerns by a community council.

Earlier this year, Kidderminster-based Tyler Richards lodged a planning application with Powys County Council for four holiday cabins, new access, a package treatment plant and all associated works on land south of Bwlch-y-Ffridd.

A request to call in the application was made after the consultation process had finished.

But “due to specific circumstances” this application is being allowed to go before councillors for a decision at a meeting of the Planning Committee on Thursday, September 3.

Aberhafesp Community Council discussed the proposal in February.

Aberhafesp Council said: “The councillors have great concerns over the noise, how the site be managed, people will be there to enjoy themselves, how will this be policed?

“Residents have pointed out that the previous application was family orientated, the company applying for this application now is catering for larger possible party groups.

“If the application was to be granted, could there be a condition attached to it to prevent group bookings e.g. hen/stag parties.”

Ted Maury of Hughes Architects explained the proposal in a design and access statement.

Mr Maury said: “The previously agreed two two-bed holiday pod designs are of timber construction with corrugated metal roofs and dark grey aluminium windows and doors.

“This application proposes to amend this to four one-bed small cabins, thereby offering the same number of beds total.

“Our client is an experienced developer with an established business. They currently run eight properties, two of which are glamping pods, under the Hidden Gems name.

“The proposals represent a sustainable use of land, that will enrich the Newtown area through contributing sensitively to the tourism industry.”

Senior planning officer Rhian Griffiths said: “The application has been assessed and considered on its compliance with planning policy.

“Whilst there are concerns in relation to the highway access, it is not considered that the development represents an over development of the site which would otherwise conflict with planning policy.”

Turning to the concerns about managing the units, Ms Griffiths said: “Whilst this concern is noted, it is unfortunately not a planning matter which can be taken into consideration.

“Several objections request that if planning permission is granted, that it be subject to conditions restricting the type of bookings that can be made to avoid groups, the use of drones/fireworks.

“These are not considered to meet the necessary tests for applying conditions.”

She will be recommending that councillors approve the scheme.

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporting Service