Decision due on 36 homes plan in Four Crosses

Mervyn Jones has applied to build the homes on land in Four Crosses.

The application, which is on the western edge of the village has been called to committee because it is outside the development plan.

The housing estate would include eight affordable dwellings and includes seven two-bedroom semi-detached houses, five three-bedroom semi-detached houses, three two-bedroom terraced homes, six three-bedroom detached houses, seven four-bedroom detached houses, five two-bedroom bungalows and three three-bedroom bungalows

Llandysilio Community Council have objected to the build because it is outside the development plan, and they said 21 sites in the village were submitted for the plan, and this land is not included.

The council said: “The argument for the supply of housing in Powys cannot be allowed to overrule planning policies and principles.

The council has also raised concerns about the protection of water sources and problems with highways and parking.

Councillors also felt their is not the infrastructure in the village to cope with another housing development.

The council stated: “This is a key element in the development of large villages such as Four Crosses.

“I attach a letter from the Medical Centre asking that any future development be asked to make a direct contribution so that the planned extension can go ahead.

“Llandysilio Church in Wales is also having to manage in mobile classrooms and we would ask that a contribution is also sought to improve their learning environment.”

However the planners have overruled any objections, and thrown their backing behind the development, due to ‘a lack of housing supply.’ The recommendation in the planning report stated: “Although it is noted that the proposed development is a departure from the adopted development plan, considerable weight must be given to the need to increase housing land supply.

“The proposed development is for the provision of 36 dwellings in a sustainable location. It is considered that the material consideration of the lack of housing land supply within the county warrants the approval of this development contrary to the provisions of the development plan.”

Planners said amenity space provision would be needed and confirmed within three months of the committee meeting next week.