A PLANNING application to convert stables into an eco-friendly three bedroom home, also with two one-bedroomed holiday units, near Brecon has been approved.

The application at Upper Dan Y Parc, Llandefalle,  came before Powys County Council’s planning committee on Thursday, December 5, for a decision, after it had been called in by local county councillor, Roger Williams (Liberal Democrat).

Cllr Williams spoke at the meeting: “This property has changed hands at least twice to my knowledge, locally everybody is of a mind these premises have never been used as a stable.

“There are concerns locally that there may be an increase in traffic movement because you will have a residential part of the conversion and two holiday lets.”

Although Cllr Williams said that he agreed with highway officers’ opinion that if it was used as a stables, there were six stalls that could keep horses.

In theory all horses could have been owned individually with all of them travelling there and back.

Applicant Freer Spreckley said: “I wasn’t aware of the letters the councillor has received as they weren't on the website so I haven’t had access to view them, but he us absolutely right if it were used as a stables there would be an awful lot more traffic.

“Our proposal is to create a open and enterprising venture that benefits ourselves obviously and local businesses.

“I’m not aware of any objections, I haven’t seen any.

“The property was built in 2005 and we purchased it in 2015, not really understanding the past.

“We will spend quite a lot of money converting it into an eco-building, and we will use local materials and  builders where we can.

“We estimate the holiday flats will bring in an average of £36,000 a year.

“In addition the guests will spend up to £40,000 in visiting attractions buying from shops, pubs and restaurants.

“In total this venture will bring in about £76,000 to the local economy.

Mr Spreckley added that they would employ someone part-time to look after the holiday lets.

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Cllr Elwyn Vaughan (Plaid Cymru – Glantwymyn) said: “It’s obvious that horses in South Powys are used to a life of luxury.

“Perhaps that building should never have been allowed to be built there, that is a lesson for us to learn.

“But it’s there and we have two choices, we either move to demolish the building, or find another sensible use for it.

“And I think that the application is a sensible use for the building and I will move to recommend approval.”

Cllr Iain McIntosh (Conservative – Yscir) believed the building should not “be there at all.”

“It makes a mockery of this planning authority to allow a building like that to be built,” added Cllr McItosh who indicated he wouldn't support the application.

Others agreed with Cllr McIntosh, that the original application “took the mick” but that was in the past.

The committee voted to approve the application.