OBJECTIONS have been made to building a barn extension near Forden as it will obstruct a public footpath.

While planning officers are backing a proposal to extend a livestock building at Severn Side, Forden, near Welshpool, Powys County Council’s  (PCC) rights of way department sees things differently.

The application, which is by PCC itself, will be discussed by councillors on PCC’s planning committee on Thursday, April 8.

The site is around 1.1 miles north west of Forden and is a dairy farm.

The application is part retrospective and wants to build an extension to the existing livestock building to accommodate a farm office, dairy and associated machinery stores.

The extension would be 9.2 metres in length, 12.5 metres in width and with a maximum height of 4.6 metres.

In the application report the rights of way department, said: “The developer is advised that public footpath 29 exists inside/near to the planning boundary. This proposal will further obstruct the public right of way and Countryside Services objects to this application.

“The applicant is advised to contact Countryside Services at the earliest opportunity.

“Development over, or illegal interference with, a public right of way, is a criminal offence and enforcement action will be taken against a developer who ignores the presence of public rights of way.”

The department has given several points of advice for the applicant to follow if the plans are approved.

A Design and Access Statement for the proposals, gives the economic context of the development:

“The council wishes to sustain efficient and viable economy and is aware of the need for continuing investment in modern farm buildings, extensions and equipment to improve viability, environmental management and animal welfare standards.

“The proposed extension accords with these ambitions.”

But planning officer, Bryn Pryce, believes that it should be given the thumbs up.

Mr Pryce, said: “The existing agricultural building is located on the same public footpath route which is currently obstructed from public use.

Despite this, officers consider that there is sufficient land surrounding the application site to enable a suitable diversion of the footpath which would be subject to consideration in accordance with the relevant legislation, independent of the planning regime.

Mr Pryce added that should the application be approved then the applicants would be given the advice from Countryside Services.

“In light of the considerations, officers consider that the proposed development is of an acceptable scale design and appearance and complies with the relevant planning policies.”