Residents on one of Powys’s largest housing estates are up-in-arms over plans to build on its last remaining open space.
Vaynor was told this week that a planning application for six dwellings has been submitted to Powys County Council (PCC) by Mid Wales Housing Association, and it has enraged the Mayor, County Councillor and residents alike.
Last month Newtown Town Council rejected the application, but now the application is due to be discussed by PCC’s planning committee. The proposed development is for six two bedroom bungalows to be built.
But Newtown Mayor Joy Jones (pictured looking over the land) described it as “outrageous” and County Councillor Russell George said he will be supporting residents in opposing the development.
“I have spoken with the resident who live in that area and only two households support it,” said Mayor Jones. “Thirty-three said they would prefer a community hub of some sort while the overwhelming majority want it to remain as open land.”
Cllr George added that while he supports more accommodation of this type, he says it is the wrong place for this development.
“Children use this land to play and a fun day is held there every year,” he said: “Vaynor is the largest housing estate in Powys and this is the only piece of open space land remaining within the housing area.
“The Vaynor Estate was originally designed with a number of areas of open space provided for the benefit of residents. Over the years these have been eroded by new development and only last year permission was granted for a substantial housing development at another area on the estate. I shall be supporting residents in opposing the sale and development of the land. It should remain as an open space area”
Last year planning permission was given for over 40 homes to be build by land next to Heol Pengwern on the estate.