PLANS for a £7.8 million upgrade for Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital in Machynlleth have been given the green light by Powys County Council (PCC).

Under delegated powers, PCC planning officers have given permission to go ahead with a two-storey extension to replace two single storey extensions.

Powys Teaching Health Board has said that it is “delighted” that it is able to go ahead with the scheme which it hopes will be built by 2021.

Powys County Councillor for Machynlleth, Michael Williams, said: “I’m delighted this has been given the go ahead.

“If the application had gone in front of the planning committee I would have gone to the meeting to speak in favour of it.

“I’m pleased that the Welsh Government and Powys Teaching Health Board are refurbishing the hospital that will serve Machynlleth and the wider area.”

Hayley Thomas, director of planning and performance for Powys Teaching Health Board, said: “We are delighted that full planning approval has been granted.

“Our exciting plans for the redevelopment of Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital will deliver major improvements to the facilities at the hospital.”

Ken Yorston, interim head of property, planning and public protection, said that the health board would still need a Conservation Area Consent before they could demolish the existing highway wall.

This is needed to have adequate road visibility at the entrance.

In December 2017, Welsh Government Cabinet Health Secretary Vaughan Gething announced a £7.8 million scheme that would see Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital (BDCH) become a hub for a range of health and social services.

It was part of an announcement of £68 million to provide 19 new integrated health and care centres around Wales.

Aberystwyth’s Ysbyty Bronglais is the nearest district general hospital to Machynlleth and is 18 miles away (32 minutes) while Welshpool’s Victoria Memorial Hospital is 37 miles away (56 minutes).

For specialist services, residents may travel as far as Swansea or Wrexham.