A caretaker's flat, unused for 14 years, will be turned into a classroom at Llanidloes High School.
But, councillors on Powys County Council’s planning committee were concerned about access for disabled students or teachers, as access to the flat is by an outside stairwell.
The application appeared in front of the committee as it was one made by PCC themselves.
Cllr Huw Williams, said: “As it’s being changed to an educational facility, has there been consideration for pupils and staff who are less able?”
Planning Officer Luke Jones: “From what I recall of this site the only access is through a stairwell, building control have been consulted and have raised no issues regarding access.”
Cllr Williams added: “I’m all for this change of use but I think access is an issue.”
Senior development manager, Peter Morris, said: “From a planning perspective there’s not much we can do.
“We can raise it with building control who can go back to the schools service and raise it with them.”
Cllr Williams asked if this would be added to the consent as a condition.
Planning committee solicitor, Colin Edwards, said: “You can’t condition as this would be under access in disability legislation. You can’t condition what is already on the statute book.
“But it would be sensible way forward to raise it with the education service and building control.”
Planning officer, Luke Jones, recommended the application for approval and said: “The caretaker’s flat was last used for residential purposes in 2005 and has been vacant ever since.”
“The ground floor of the flat is currently used as the canteen and will continue to do so.”
Cllr Les George (Conservative – Caersws) said: “Having read the report – it’s an excellent scheme and I would like to propose that we pass it.”
He was backed by Cllr Heulwen Hulme who seconded the proposal and it was passed by the committee.
