Plans have been lodged to build a new business unit on a plot of land near a school in Newtown which locals had been fighting to save from being redeveloped.

Pent Haus, which makes composite timber panels for garden rooms from three small and “unsuitable” units on the Mochdre Industrial Estate, says it has already run out of space and wants to build a new 900 square-metre factory on greenfield land behind Cedewain School.

The business said the proposed development would increase its workforce from nine to at least 35 employees and will work alongside local colleges and schools to encourage young people in Mid Wales into manufacturing and engineering.

The field was used by generations of Garth Owen and Maesyrhandir residents before it was fenced off in 2021 which prompted a local campaign to work with the owner to save the top half of the fenced off field for people to sit and enjoy.

County Times: A campaign group was formed by residents in 2021 after the field was fenced off.A campaign group was formed by residents in 2021 after the field was fenced off.

The field’s owners said in the planning application to Powys County Council that it is “surplus highway land from construction of the Newtown bypass” and the development will have “no significant loss of natural landscape”.

A “dire shortage” of commercial space in Newtown is one of the reasons that has prompted Pent Haus to apply for planning permission after outgrowing its current base. Powys-based planning agent Matthew Hamer said high demand for commercial space in Newtown is making business owners “think outside the box”.

Pent Haus said the proposed new two-storey purpose-built unit on the Mochdre Industrial Estate will enable the company to make production much more efficient “as it takes demand to the next level”.

“There is a dire shortage of commercial space, this new site will also free up the three existing units that will be ideal for start-up companies,” the company said.

“The development will provide a significant economic boost to Newtown and Mid Wales as well as promoting economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits including job creation, support for local businesses, increased enjoyment and recognition of the area’s cultural history.”

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Following the Covid outbreak, Innova Mill decided to branch out with a completely new market under the brand Pent Haus and acquired a garden room installation company that has installed hundreds of garden rooms since 2008.

Planning and design agent Matthew Hamer, of Hamco Developments, said: “It is fantastic to have submitted another enterprise and employment scheme in Newtown which should bring investment and jobs to the area.

“This is the second large-scale commercial building submitted in Newtown by Hamco Developments in the past year. It demonstrates that sheer demand for commercial space in Newtown and the lack of it for sale or rent is making business owners think outside the box.

“This purpose-built unit will be energy efficient modern design allowing Pent-Haus to operate in a great environment. The building design aims to settle into its surroundings and sloped site creating green corridors for surface water management and wildlife to flourish. Along with its own power generation through PV panels and amble parking and turning area of the enterprise to function.”

County Times: A garden room manufactured by Pent Haus.A garden room manufactured by Pent Haus. (Image: Pent Haus)

The Innova Mill group, which was initially established in 1983, with the main business being Adventa, claims to be a market leader in lean automated manufacturing and supplies customers from around the world with products manufactured in Newtown.

Pent Haus general manager Tom Morrish said: “With the increasing shortage of skilled on-site labour combined with more discerning eco-conscious consumers there are massive opportunities for lean off-site manufacturing.

“The Pent Haus system enables a team of two to construct an outbuilding in little more than two days and is designed so the electrician can commission fully concealed electrics in two to three hours after construction.

“We believe that the popularity of garden rooms will soon overtake conservatories and loft conversions and have also heard positively from many estate agents that a premium garden room adds significantly to the value of a residential property.

“With the cost of fuel, it certainly seems that the hybrid work from home model is here to stay, however many garden rooms get specified specially for use for gyms, music, art, bars, etc – ideal for anyone that wants some ‘me’ space.”

Comments for the application 23/1917/FUL can be submitted online or to planning.representations@powys.gov.uk.