PLANS to turn parts of a rural pub into a training centre near Oswestry, have been given the green light by Powys County Council (PCC)

James Maccall of Training for Hire Ltd will now be able to go ahead and change of use of outbuildings at the Penybont Inn at Penybont Llanerch Emrys on the B4396 road between Llangedwyn and Llynclys.

Planning officer, Sara Robinson, said:  “The landlord runs a specialist training business and is seeking the conversion of the outbuilding to

safeguard the public house.

“Therefore, we consider that alternative use of the outbuilding is welcomed which will provide alternative continued community use to support the public house.

“The proposal does not involve extensive alteration, rebuilding or extension and seeks to retain the character and appearance of the original building.

“It is considered that the proposed development complies with relevant Local Development Plan (LDP) policies as well as national planning policies the decision is to approve.”

Llangedwyn Community Council also supported the application and said they thought it would “enhance” the areas economy.

In a support statement agent, Jen Ellis of The Rural Building Studio, explained: “The pub trade is currently facing very difficult times and as such the current landlord  also runs a specialist training business.

“The business is currently run from various rented venues throughout the immediate area and across the Midlands.

“As such he is seeking to establish a permanent base for the enterprise, which will result in reduced travel for him, but also bring great training opportunities for many young people within the local area.

According to the statement Training for Hire use a mix of classroom and workshop to provide training on occupational Health and Safety for machinery technicians from basic electrics through to hydraulics.

Mrs Ellis added: “There is a significant skills shortage for machinery repair and many individuals miss out on the chance for formal training routes, apprenticeships either due to a lack of employer places or a change in career choice.

“The majority of our students are in their twenties and through a mixture of off-site training – at the pub and on-site assessment – we get them through six or more days of formal training and then go on to assess them against industry qualifications for example NVQ Level 3 diploma in plant maintenance.

“Currently the closest industry courses are run in Telford or the Midlands with little provision in our region.”

A new improved toilet block for the pub will also be constructed as part of the refurbishment.