OUTLINE planning permission has been granted for nine homes at a former petrol station in Guilsfield.

At Powys County Council’s planning committee meeting on Thursday, October 1, councillors approved the principle development at the former Fairview Garage.

Before work can start, the Bradley family who applied for permission will need to come back with more detailed plans.

The proposals were approved despite them exceeding the appropriate density levels for the site.

Guilsfield councillor David Jones (Independent) who spoke against the application, said: “I support the principle of development on this site, it has been an eyesore for far too long.

“This is the wrong development in the wrong place, if this development is rejected they will come back with a better proposal.”

But agent Doug Hughes, from Hughes Architects, said: “We have worked hard to come up with a solution for this challenging brownfield site, in what is a really lovely village setting."

They had bought the site intending to build a shop, but when the village's existing shop came up for sale they bought and refurbished that instead.

Mr Hughes said: “What do you do with a site which is surrounded on all sides by housing?

"One of the objectors suggested a row of shops. But at a time when our major towns are struggling, any form of commercial development in our smaller villages is not commercially viable.

“Housing is the best outcome here. A residential development of nine dwellings on this site provides for much needed variety of smaller housing in this village."

Cllr Hywel Lewis, (Llangunllo – Independent) said: “There is a recognised need for smaller housing units in Guilsfield.

“I know the site, to me it cries out to be developed, I’m fully supportive."

Speaking afterwards, Mr Hughes added: “This is great news for Guilsfield and for local people looking to get on to the housing ladder or to move to affordable homes in the village.

“The applicant has owned the site since 2015 and had originally considered a business on the site. But this proved unviable and affordable, good quality housing was identified as the only option.

“As with many villages, such housing is hard to come by and our design, which fits with the prominent central village location, will not only provide a housing solution, but it will also improve this important area of the village.”

The application was passed by 13 votes for and one abstention.