Decision day for 79 house scheme in Llandrindod Wells

PLANS to build 79 homes in Llandrindod Wells, with 60 of them expected to be affordable, have been recommended for approval by Powys planners.

The proposals by JG Hale construction ltd which also include vehicle access and all the associated works will be discussed by Powys County Council’s Planning committee at their meeting on Wednesday, October 5.

The scheme is earmarked for 2.6 hectares of agricultural land to the east of Ithon Road and near to Ysgol Calon Cymru’s Llandrindod Wells campus.

The application has been “called in” for a decision by councillors by the former local member Jon Williams.

This is due to concerns from nearby residents that the scheme would mean a loss of privacy and have a visual impact.

Planning officer, Richard Edwards said “The site forms part of a large allocation for housing which is for 122 dwellings.

“The northern section of the site has consent for 55 dwellings which has
recently been completed.

“Llandrindod Wells is defined as a town with the site being wholly within the LDP (Local Development Plan) housing allocation and entirely within its development boundary.

“It is therefore considered the principle of residential development at this site complies with policies.”

On the affordable homes part of the applications, Mr Edwards said: “Llandrindod Wells falls within the central Powys catchment area and a 30 per cent affordable housing contribution is required to be provided onsite by the proposed development.”

This means that to comply with the policy only 24 houses would need to be “affordable.”

Mr Edwards said: “The proposed development seeks to provide 60 affordable dwellings and 19 to be on the open market.

“Whist additional affordable housing has been proposed as part of the
scheme above what is required by policy, officers are only able to secure the 30 per cent of the 79 dwellings to be for affordable.”

To ensure that 60 affordable houses are built on the site – a condition will be attached to the planning permission to make sure this happens and that they remain affordable homes “in perpetuity.”

Mr Evans goes on to advise councillors that they should give conditional consent to the scheme.

Agents Asbri planning ltd explained the proposal in a planning statement who say that the estate would be managed by Newydd housing association.

Asbri said: “It is considered that the scheme represents an efficient use of land on an allocated housing site in Llandrindod Wells and the proposed
development will reflect and enhance the residential character of the
surrounding area.”

The proposal is to build:

22 – one-bedroom flats

Four – two-bedroom bungalows

Two- three bedroom adapted bungalows

26 – two-bedroom houses.

19 – three-bedroom houses

Six – four-bedroom houses.

A sustainable drainage application (SuDS) will need to be approved before building work can start.