An application to remove an occupancy restriction which could add more than £100,000 to a property’s sales price, returns to the planning committee this week.
In January at Powys County Council’s planning committee meeting councillors decided that they would postpone the decision so that more information on market prices could be found.
The application had been submitted by Dai Davies, the Independent County Councillor for Berriew.
He wants to take away an occupancy restriction condition known as section 73, from the house called Maes-y-Nant.
Maes-y-Nant , which is about two miles north-west of the village of Berriew, is a four bedroomed detached house with a double garage.
The house was built as an “agricultural dwelling” after being given permission in 2005.
The restriction means that the occupier should “solely or mainly be employed in agriculture or forestry."
In 2009 consent was given for a double garage.
At the planning meeting in January, councillors were concerned that the public would think they were giving a colleague a “blank cheque”.
This is despite being told the application was only in front of them as the applicant is a county councillor. Usually if it were anyone else, it would a have been passed with officers taking the decision.
The house had been for sale from November 2016 to June 2018 at £235,000 when the application to remove the restriction had been made.
The market value in the area showed that similar houses without the restriction were priced at £345,000.
The District Valuers (DVS) said: “The report acknowledges the setting of the dwelling next to the main farm complex, which may detract from potential buyers of the property.
“The dwelling is considered to be a sought after location but its setting would deter potential buyers.
“The DVS acknowledge that the property appears to have been actively marketed in newspapers and online and note little interest due to the agricultural restriction in place.”
The DVS confirmed the unrestricted value of the property was considered to be £345,000 and that with the occupancy restriction it would be £235,000.
Planning officer, Bryn Pryce, said in his report: “In light of the independent valuation report provided by the District Valuer, officers are satisfied that the dwelling has been marketed at a price that is fair and not excessive in relation to its setting and restrictions.
“The removal of the of the condition has been justified by robust marketing evidence.
“The proposal is considered to comply with planning policy and therefore the recommendation remains one of consent.”
Photo: Cllr Dai Davies' home
By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter
