A councillor's plans to convert a barn on his farm have been approved by a planning committee.

Powys Council's planning committee gave the green light to a change the use of the building at Pont y Pentre near Llansantffraid to allow it to be used as a storage and distribution facility.

The application only came before the meeting on Thursday, July 2, because it had been made by Councillor Gwynfor Thomas, the Conservative member for Llansandffraid.

Cllr Thomas is also Powys County Council’s vice-chairman.

All planning applications made by councillors and Powys County Council staff must be decided by the planning committee.

Principal planning officer Tamsin Law told the committee that the Welsh Government’s technical advice note 23 (TAN) which deals with economic development, supports the re-use of agricultural buildings for other commercial purposes.

She recommended the application for approval, and the plans were passed unanimously by members, who were told that the diversification of the farm would support government policies.

Councillor Linda Corfield (Independent – Forden) said: “I think it’s a welcome to use existing buildings rather than putting up more.”