Plaid Cymru AM Helen Mary Jones will ask for a four-month delay in development for a new recycling centre in Abermule after meeting protestors this weekend.

Over 150 people attended a meeting at the community centre which saw the Mid and West Wales AM accompany County Councillor Elwyn Vaughan to listen to residents’ concerns about the proposed development of a recycling bulking centre in the village by Powys County Council.

Helen Mary Jones said she was concerned that the county council had "railroaded the development", and she would be meeting with ministers to discuss the situation further.

"It was a good opportunity to listen to genuine concerns and discuss various aspects of the development," she said.

"It is clear that there are real concerns that Powys County Council has railroaded the development and awarded itself planning permission in a rush. Whilst it may well have done things legally correct and in order, it isn’t in the spirit of a openness and transparency.

"In view of the range of concerns I will be raising the matter with Ministers and asking Powys to alleviate concerns by giving a 4-month stay of development in order to consider in detail other potential sites which could be more suitable. I think that is the minimum that they should do.”

The planning application, which included an outline application for business units made by Powys County Council (PCC) itself, was passed by just one vote by its planning committee at a meeting in August.

Since the decision, objectors have mounted a sustained protest campaign which included a placard-wielding demonstration at County Hall in Llandrindod Wells on October 18.

Cllr Elwyn Vaughan, who opposed the planning application in committee, added: "There are a range of concerns locally with this development and it would show tolerance and respect for residents if Powys could give a period of grace whilst giving detailed consideration to alternative sites – it would show Powys as an open and transparent Council as highlighted in their aims. 

"In reality were this building to be built many would be shocked at its height, being the same as the recent development at Buttington and would be clearly visible located by the main road and in view of Dolforwyn castle, a heritage site.

"Goodwill would go a long way."