Planning green light for three houses in Llandrindod Wells

The Bracken Trust lodged plans with Powys County Council just before last Christmas to build three houses at Cefnllys Lane.

The scheme is for two three-bedroom houses and one four-bedroom house which would be built behind the trust’s cancer support centre.

The application came before councillors at a meeting of Powys County Council’s Planning committee on Thursday, June 11.

The report notes that nine objections have been raised against the proposal which was called in to committee by the local Powys councillor Pete Roberts citing a lack of information.

Senior planning officer Rhian Griffiths recommended that councillors approve the scheme and agree to delegate powers to planning officers, the committee chairman (Cllr Gareth D Jones) and vice chairman (Cllr Adrian Jones) to agree a section 106 agreement with the applicants to provide “compensatory” tree planting for those chopped down at the site.

Cllr Roberts (Liberal Democrat – Llandrindod South) was unable to attend the meeting and had his comments read out by committee solicitor Rachel Mole.

Cllr Roberts: “I find myself torn between what is right for the charity and what is right for the wider community.

“I’m supportive of the right type of development for this site but I don’t think this is the right type.”

He explained that much of information on the proposal that had been lacking at the outset- had now been explained to him.

But he still raised issues on land drainage, highway safety and density of the development.

Cllr Roberts said: “I would argue that a development of two and not three properties is more in keeping with this part of town.

“Had that been the proposal I would have raised concerns rather than request a call in.

“While the applicants is providing generous compensation for the trees they will be removing, they are leaving gardens behind that are significantly compromised in their usage for family purposes.”

He believed that the trees that would be left in the gardens would “seriously limit” the outdoor space there and place a “burden” on the new owners.

Cllr Roberts pointed out that the need for housing in Llandrindod Wells is for bungalows and asked the committee to reject the proposal so that a two-plot proposal could come forward instead.

Speaking in behalf of the Bracken Trust planning agent Ian Price told councillors that all statutory consulates as well as Llandrindod Wells Town Council  had all been supportive of the scheme.

Mr Price said: “From our perspective every single concern has been professionally assessed and dismissed.

“On that basis, we believe we have submitted a policy complaint and it's essential that this works for the trust.”

Cllr Adrian Jones (Conservative – Berriew and Castle Caereinion) said: “I do fully understand what he’s (Cllr Roberts) saying, it would look better with two houses there and some green space .”

Cllr Deb Edwards (Powys Independents – Norton with Llangunllo) wanted clarification around the drainage issues, fearing future flooding risk for nearby houses.

Development management team leader Gemma James said that a sustainable drainage application will need to be approved before building work starts, and the current drainage details within the documents “satisfy” the planning requirements.

Cllr Edwards then proposed the application be approved in line with officer recommendations which moved the item on to a vote

This saw eight councillors vote in favour and one abstain.