A NEW chairman has been chosen to steer the powerful Powys County Council Planning Committee.

This afternoon following PCC's annual general meeting, the various different committees met up to choose members for the chair and vice-chair positions.

It had been expected that Cllr David Price, would be re-elected, but he decided against standing this year.

Cllr Karl Lewis who was the committee vice-chairman during the last civic year and represents Llandinam, was chosen by committee members.

Details emerged yesterday that Cllr Price is being investigated by the Council for possibly flouting caravan site licensing regulations and planning conditions at his farm near Builth Wells.

A source told the Powys County Times that Cllr Price decided against putting his name forward due to the speculation surrounding the investigation.