Plans to extend Bettws Cedewain pub near Newtown.

The Bull and Heifer is situated in the middle of the village of Bettws Cedewain.

G and A leisure want to replace 50 square metres of existing buildings and storage areas with a new 85 square metre extension and have submitted a planning and conservation area consent application to do this.

Agent Philip Humphreys, explained: “The Bull and Heifer was a flourishing restaurant and public house before the current lockdown due to Covid-19, causing the business to close its doors.

“During this quiet period, the owners wish to rationalise the storage and kitchen area at the rear of the premises.

“The extension will include an area off the bar for a pool table, a small extension to the kitchen area, the provision of cold and dry storage and a cellar.

“The existing flat roof at the rear of the property will be extended as far as the end of the present building and the additional five metres beyond this will have a pitched roof, which will complement the existing building and hide the flat roof behind it. ”

One of the issues facing the applicants is that the pub lies in a C2 flood zone as the Bechan Brook runs 20 metres to the south west of the building.

As it the proposal lies in an area assessed by Welsh Government environment body, Natural Resources Wales as having a one in 100 year or greater annual probability of river flooding.

This means that that there is a risk of damage to internal fixtures, fittings and goods, and a potential risk to staff safety.

Mr Humphreys said: “The building is located in the centre of the village with houses all around in a similar situation with regard to flooding.

“The applicant is aware that the Bechan Brook is prone to flooding and staff have been instructed what to do in the event of a flood.”

Measures suggested to reduce the harm in case of flooding include having electrics kept well above ground floor level and flood resilient materials o be used at lower levels.

Mr Humphreys added that flood defences have already been built along the bank of the brook providing a “reasonable degree of protection from flooding.”

The pub was once the village post office before being refurbished.

The applications will be decided by planners at a later date.