Residents hit out at planning process

A group of Caersws residents have hit out at planning approval for a tourism resort which they say was granted without adequate democracy.

Last week Powys County Council approved a planning application to allow 100 static caravans, five chalets and an amenity building at the former Mid Wales  Golf Centre.

The application was approved under current delegated powers given to planning officers due to the coronavirus situation.

However, some residents who had objected to the plans and submitted a petition against it say the decision was taken without them knowing or any democratic process.

"Planning applications no longer go to committee. The public are no longer informed about applications that can materially affect their property or livelihoods. If they are able to navigate the Council's website, have time to keep a constant watchful eye and get to the planning portal they can e mail their objections," said the Mid Wales Arts Centre as part of a statement from the residents.

"However, the council no longer make their objections public, they just send out a standard e mail acknowledging receipt (we wonder if they bother to read them). Site visits are not taking place, so reality is ignored."

It added: "Local residents have collectively spent thousands of hours, after long working days, presenting well researched, detailed letters raising serious objections and providing evidence to the planning department. A further 450 people independently signed a petition giving further reasons why it was a bad idea.

"Not one of our objections have been addressed or published. Of 60 plus registered documents regarding the application, not one of the public's objections was included.

"However some persistent members managed to navigate the system and in March received several assurances from the planning officer that due to the large number of objections it would have to go to committee, that we would be given our democratic right to present our case in March despite the conditions imposed by Covid 19."

The group has also highlighted flooding in the area and how Welsh Government planning advice says developments should not take place where there is flood risk.

Powys County Council has been asked to comment.