New owners of Staylittle outdoor centre submit cabin plans

Last year Mountain Bike Wales acquired the Staylittle Outdoor Centre from Powys County Council, with the intention of using it as accommodation to run cycling tours and yoga workshops from what will be known as 'The Lodge, Staylittle'.

In a statement issued when the venture was announced, owners Polly Clark and Phillip Stasiw said: "We’re now the proud owners of Staylittle Outdoor Centre, situated half way between Llanidloes and Machynlleth in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains.

"We're really excited and looking forward to owning our own accommodation to run cycling tours and yoga workshops, welcome other businesses and guests, from what will be known as ‘The Lodge, Staylittle."

In a statement accompanying the planning application for the timber mobile home, they have said: "The cabin is being designed and built locally, using materials that are sourced from here in mid Wales.

"The design aims to compliment the surrounding landscape with a curved sedum roof to match the shape and curve of the grass bank below and to the side, and natural larch cladding to further blend into the surrounding landscape.

"A native hedgerow has been planted along the fence line to the north west of the site to increase biodiversity."

The statement adds: "In order to utilise the full potential of The Lodge, we need to fully maximise the bed space and communal areas within the venue itself.

"In order to manage The Lodge, we will need to be onsite to welcome people in, attend to any issues with the building and its services while occupied, but at a distance that gives privacy to the guests.

"Being able to live on site in a small cabin will also provide security for the building and its amenities, and equipment that will be within the building itself, for example road and mountain bikes that are valued at a considerable amount."

Powys County Council planners will make a decision on the proposals at a future date.