PLANS for an "agricultural worker's dwelling"  deemed a "scar on the landscape" by objectors  have been thrown out.

Planning officer Louise Evans had recommended refusal of the planning application on land opposite Rhysgog Bungalow, Llanafan Fawr, Builth Wells, as she believed it would have been detrimental to the setting of a nearby listed farm building.

She said that the application was "borderline" as they would have agreed a dwelling sited nearby.

Objector Pip Tappin told the meeting: "This is an area of exceptional unspoilt landscape and the proposed large house will be on an exposed ridge and an unacceptable scar on the landscape.

"TAN 6 states that local planning authorities must resist applications for rural enterprise dwellings that are prominent in the landscape.

"This large house and double garage would be exceedingly prominent."

"This is definitely not an affordable dwelling."

She suggested that a site visit was essential.

Agent Geraint Jones said: "The planning department have accepted there is a functional need for an additional dwelling and has accepted that the business is financially sound, so the principle is met."

He said that dwelling's size was bigger as part of it would be used as a farm office, shower room  boot room "all typical and essential for an agricultural workers dwelling."

Cllr David Price asked if there had been discussion about the site?

Louise Evans replied that there had and a more favourable location "immediately adjacent had been found that could have been supported".

"But this is the application they had gone ahead with," said Ms Evans

Cllr Gwilym Williams said: "It's a young family who wants to live on the farm and rural settings and we should be support them."

"But as has been said there have been discussions and another site available."

Cllr Kathryn Silk said:  "The issue that really  concerns me is the size of the dwelling.

"I can well remember applications coming back to us with S106s or restrictions being lifted on these houses because they were no longer affordable."

"The issue of affordability is critical.

"This has to be looked at in that light and we have seen very nice houses in the open countryside going on the open market.

"It's really important that any house associated with the business can be sustained by that.

"We need to ensure that it will be retained for the purpose it's being brought before us for.

"We have been given five reasons for refusal that seem compelling."

The committee voted to refuse with 12 agreeing with the officers recommendations and six abstentions.