OUTLINE plans to build 35 affordable homes at Four Crosses near Llanymynech will be decided by councillors next week.

Powys Council’s planning committee will meet on Thursday, April 8 to discuss plans submitted by developers P and S Davies for land at Gornal Farm.

As the land for the proposal is outside the Local Development Plan (LDP) area for the village, the scheme is an “exception site" which can only be used for certain developments such as affordable homes.

The proposal is for a mix of four one bedroom bungalows, five two bedroom bungalows,  12 two bedroom houses, nine three bed houses and five four bedroom houses.

Planning officers are backing the scheme as they believe there is: “a proven need to deliver a greater supply of affordable housing across the county.”

But, there is considerable opposition to the scheme which has been “called in” to the committee by local county councillor, Arwel Jones.

Cllr Jones said he has  “grave concerns”  about the access to the site and highways issues.

Llandysilio Community Council have looked at the application and discussed it at two meetings and is objecting to it on the grounds that it is an “over development” of the village, where other affordable housing schemes are also ongoing.

Llandysilio Community Council clerk, Carol Davies, said:  “Whilst it was noted that Mid-Wales Housing are interested in this development the community council feel that 59 affordable dwellings would be out of proportion for the Village.

“There is concern that the existing infrastructure will not be able to cope with this additional housing.”

At a pre-application consultation on the scheme back in 2017 had highlighted the need for extra sewerage capacity to deal with the development.

Agent, Tudor Watkins of Roger Parry and Partners, said: “The development will make a sustainable contribution to the choice of housing available within the village of Four Crosses through applying for an affordable dwelling exception site."

Mr Watkins said that the site is located in a “sustainable location” with a school,  pub, garage, shop, community and leisure facilities all “easily accessible” by walking.

Mr Watkins claims that the scheme would “boost the local economy”.and “provide more children” for the village primary school and will ensure that it “remains necessary and open.”

The future of Llandysilio Church in Wales primary school is now under threat.