The County Times can reveal the proposed site is understood to clash with what scientists believe to be a "megalithic" site of ancient sacred significance.

Concrete details are scarce on the ground at the moment, as the site is undergoing extensive research, however certain information has been leaked to us which reveals the location could be home to the largest Bronze Age cemetery in Wales.

Researchers believe the proposed developments coincide with a system of numerous ancient sites strung along the peaks of the hills named in the planning application.

This ancient complex is centred on the ridge of Brondre Fawr Hill, Llaithddu, from where clear views of the Felindre/Llanbadarn hills are offered which carry many Bronze Age tumulii (burial mounds) stretching from the high ground of the Crown Estates, Llanbister to Dolfor Hill – understood to be the largest Bronze Age cemetery in Wales.

Experts from as far afield as Moscow and Canada are working on the case, and believe the Brondre Fawr complex is among the most important in UK, ranking in scientific significance with other great ritual landscapes such as Stonehenge, Avebury and Tursachan Calanais on the Isle of Lewis.

Stephen McKeown, who is working on the research, said: "This was a very important sacred site that was in part constructed to act as a transitory point to the spirit world.

"We believe the stone markers are positioned to show very specific key lunar and solar sunrises and sunsets.

"The knowledge these people had was immense and our modern scientists are amazed at their intricate knowledge and grasp of astronomy and complex geometry.

"Clearly they understood calculus centuries before Newton penned his findings.

"The thrilling thing is that this is right on our doorstep. Let's protect it."

The team of experts are building a case which they hope will prove too strong for the council and developers to ignore.

* There will be more on this story in the County Times over the next few weeks.