12/05/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

Llanarth house approved as well-being act outweighs planning policy

A Llanarth man will build a house for himself and his elderly mother after councillors ruled that well-being acts outweighed planning policy.

Ceredigion County Council planning officers had recommended that Robin Jones’ outline application for an open market house at Llyn Bedw, Pencae, Llanarth be refused.

At a meeting of the development control committee on August 14 members heard that Mr Jones was willing to build an affordable home and make a Section 106 contribution.

However, the application was still considered unsuitable due to its isolated location and it remained contrary to planning policy.

Mr Jones told the committee that he intended  to build a home for himself with an annexe for his elderly mother who had no-one left to look after her.

It would mean she could stay in the area she had always lived and remain at home rather than in local authority care.

Cllr Paul Hinge, who said he had recently moved his father in with him in similar circumstances, added: “It’s wonderful that families are prepared to bring loved ones into the fold and look after them in their later years.”

He backed local member Cllr Bryan Davies, who urged support for the application.

Cllr Lyndon Lloyd also outlined the way such a development would meet well-being and social care guidelines issued by Welsh Government.

The committee voted to go against the officer recommendation and approve the outline application, which will return for detailed matters.

“We understand the constraints of officers and we understand it contravenes planning policy but that’s not the only thing we need to bear in mind when we are looking at applications,” said Cllr Dafydd Edwards.

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