AN OUTLINE planning application to build 43 homes, which includes 10 per cent affordable homes, for Caersws will be heard by councillors on Thursday, February 28.

The application has been made by G and A Jarman for land at Penyborfa, Carno Road, and includes sheltered housing and a bus laybay as part of the development.

Powys County Council (PCC) planning officers believe it should be given the green light but,  due to concerns about possible flooding, it has been opposed by many in the village, including the community council.

Caersws Community Council held an extraordinary meeting on December 19, 20018, to discuss the application.

Sophie Palmer, Caersws community council clerk, said: “It was previously suggested that a public inquiry should be called to answer some of the anomalies brought about by this application.

“PCC has not responded to this request to date, residents have also requested a site meeting which has not been arranged.

“Caersws Community Council and residents do no feel that PCC is involving them enough through the stages of development.”

Ms Palmer added: “In conclusion Caersws Community Council strongly objects to this planning application as they believe it is the wrong type of development in a flood risk area and the amended details do not rectify the inherent problems with the problems with a development of this size on this site.”

Principal planning officer, Gemma Bufton, said: “Whilst concerns have been noted it is considered that the development can be managed to an acceptable level and therefore would not be seen as having an unacceptable adverse impact on he character and appearance of the surrounding area.

“Therefore, subject to signing a s106 to secure the provision and management of the proposed open space it is considered that the proposed development fundamentally complies with relevant planning policy and the recommendations is one of conditional planning consent.”

Several conditions have been placed on the permission and they are:

Reserved matters such as details of access, appearance layout and scale need to be discussed and approved before the development begins

Reserved matters be sorted out within three years of the permission.

The development needs to begin within five years

A scheme to provide affordable housing as part of the development needs to be approved and should be 10 percent of the housing spaces.