PLANNING approval has been granted for a storage shed and distribution centre at Buttington Quarry, near Welshpool – but it won't be part of a major new incinerator on the site.

The application for the 2,160 square metre shed has been approved by Powys County Council (PCC) planning officers, under delegated powers.

An old shed built in the 1950s had occupied the area until it was pulled down in 2011.

Border Hardcore & Rockery Stone Company Ltd, owned by the Hilditch family, has submitted the application, but while they, as Broad Energy, are behind plans for an £114 million incinerator for the quarry, the new shed won't be part of that.

As a “development of national significance,” Powys County Council is not dealing with the incinerator, which will instead be handled by the Planning Inspectorate Wales.

Trewern Community Council posed several questions – but did not oppose the application.

Council clerk Angela Evans said: “We would like assurances that this building would not be linked to the possible future incinerator application that is being submitted by Broad Energy within Buttington Quarry.”

Powys County Councillor for Trewern, Amanda Jenner, had also asked for the application to be “called in” to be discussed by the planning committee.

But the rules allowing councillors to call in planning applications have been suspended until September due to the coronavirus emergency.

Planning officer, Louise Evans, said: “Having carefully considered the details submitted together with all statutory consultee responses and third party representations, it is considered that the proposed development is satisfactory and complies with the relevant policies within the local development plan.

“As such, the recommendation is one of consent subject to the conditions.”

Agent Cathryn Johnson of Les Stephan Planning explained the reason for the building the shed in a design and access statement accompanying the application.

She said: “The building is required to provide covered storage and distribution for pre-packed palletised goods and materials and provide warehouse type accommodation for existing and new tenants.”

Buttington Brickworks, which occupied the southern part of the overall site, ceased operations there in 1990.

Since 2012 the site has been been moving towards becoming a “modern industrial park”  which is in line with its status as employment land.

“This proposed unit would be to accommodate the expansion of these existing tenants or to attract new local or national tenants,” said Mrs Johnson.