COUNCILLORS will be considering an application by one of their own, to take away an occupancy restriction on a property which could add more than £115,000 to its sale price.

At the last Powys County Council (PCC) planning meeting councillors  were required to give officers the delegated powers to handle an application made by Independent County Councillor for Berriew, Dai Davies.

The details in the meeting in December were scarce and councillors complained that they were being asked to take a decision blind.

But officers needed a swift decision as the "prior-notification" application had to be answered within a 28 day time limit which would run out before the next meeting on Thursday, January 17.

Cllr Dai Davies wants to take away an occupancy restriction condition known as section 73,  from the dwelling called  Maes y Nant.

Maes y Nant , which is about two miles north-west of the village of Berriew, is a four bedroomed detached dwelling with a double garage.

The house was built as an "agricultural dwelling," after being given permission in 2005.

The restriction means that the occupier should solely or mainly be employed in agriculture or forestry.

In 2009 consent was given for a double garage. Since November 2016,  Maes-y-Nant, has been for sale with the restriction in place.

The planning report by Bryn Pryce states: "The information submitted with the application includes a marketing report which confirms that the property asking price of £235,000 was realistic and reflected the occupancy restriction.

"The report compared this dwelling with others on the market in the area and confirms that there are no dwellings below £350,000."

The Welsh Government Acceptable Cost guidance figure for an affordable self-contained unit in the area of the dwelling for a six person, four bedroomed house is £192,000.

PCC's affordable housing officer said that they did not object to the application as they felt: "It would be just as difficult to market the property as affordable as it has proved for agricultural use."

Mr Pryce, added: "Having carefully considered the proposed development .

"Officers are satisfied that sufficient evidence has been submitted to demonstrate that genuine attempts have been made to market the property at a price that realistically reflects the occupancy restriction.

"On the basis of the evidence submitted, officers consider that there is no longer a continuing need for an agricultural workers dwelling at this location and therefore consider the removal of the condition to be in accordance with planning policy."

The application will be considered at the next planning meeting on Thursday, January 17.