Opposition to caravan park plans

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter

Letters against a proposal to turn a former golf course near Caersws into a huge caravan site have been received by Powys County Council (PCC).

Landowner Trevor Bebb has submitted plans that could see 100 static caravans, five chalets and an amenity building built on the land in Maesmawr, on the outskirts of Caersws.

A swimming pool, indoor fitness studio and a spa are included in the plans,

Carol Thomas was concerned that the number of extra vehicles in the area would cause problems: “I would ask for re-consideration of this proposed application as the area is reaching leisure accommodation saturation point.

“I have no doubt that a development on this scale will have a detrimental effect on the local area.”

James and Cate Manyoni said: “We are unable to see how a hundred caravans associated buildings can be anything other than a blight on a relatively pristine hillside and create high volumes of traffic on a quiet single-track lane.

“We appreciate the need for economic activity in the region to sustain and develop communities, but this proposal destroys the very essence of what makes this area one of the jewels of Wales.”

Jane Snow added that she objected as there were already “three major” tourist sites within two miles of each other.

In May 2018, Mr Bebb successfully applied for a change of use for 20 caravans, following the closure of the existing nine-hole golf course.

Golf’s popularity has waned in recent years and in Montgomeryshire the Mid-Wales Golf Centre is one of three that has closed.

The plan would see the existing golf course and buildings demolished to make way for the new infrastructure.

A planning statement included as part of the application said: “Over recent years, the Mid Wales Golf Centre in Caersws, along with many other UK golf courses, experienced significant economic viability issues and was therefore closed and placed on the market.

“Many such courses have reverted back to farmland, including the Welsh Border Golf Complex at Bulthy Farm, Middletown, and the Brookland Hall Golf Course near Guilsfield.

“The applicant has significant experience in the leisure and tourism industry and has therefore recently bought the centre with the intention of securing a viable and sustainable future tourism use for the site, enhancing the contribution it makes to the social, economic and environmental well-being of the area.

“The development represents a significant investment in the tourism industry in Powys and will give rise to substantial social and economic benefits.”

The statement adds that jobs would be created during the construction phase and running the site.

“By providing tourist accommodation the proposed development will help sustain existing services and businesses in Caersws, including shops, restaurants and pubs for the benefit of both tourist and local community alike,” the statement said.