Councillors back colleague's planning application

Plans by a Powys County Councillor to extensively remodel his home have received unanimous backing from his fellow councillors.

At a meeting of the council’s Planning, Taxi Licensing and Rights of Way Committee, an application by Cllr Gareth Pugh (Conservative) to demolish an existing porch and conservatory and build three extensions at Upper Llegodig, Abermule, near Newtown was in front of councillors.

Planning applications by councillors, their family and close associates are brought in front of the committee for a decision.

The application has been discussed by Abermule with Llandyssil community council at a meeting in May and councillors there had supported the application.

Cllr Pugh, who represents Dolforwyn which includes Abermule, is a member of the Planning Committee and left the meeting while his application was being discussed.

Planning officer Aled Williams presented the report  to committee.

Mr Williams said: “Abermule is located 1.2 kilometres to the southwest of the site.

“As this site is not located within the development boundary it has been considered as a development in the open countryside.

“The works on the east elevation would see the demolition of a porch which would be replaced by a two-storey extension, the conservatory located to the west would be replaced by a single storey garden room.

“Lastly, a two-storey extension is proposed to be constructed to the south of the dwelling on an area of existing hard standing,”

He added that a new hedgerow was proposed to the north of the house as a part of a number of environmental enhancements to the site.

Mr Williams advised councillor to approve the scheme.

The committee’s solicitor Rachel Mole said: “In view of the applicant in the matter I have reviewed the file, and it has been processed accordingly.”

Cllr Karl Lewis (Reform UK) said: “As there are no (comments from) consultees anywhere in the report against this, I propose we go along with officer’s recommendations.”

His proposal was backed by both Cllrs Gareth E Jones and (Powys Independents) and Tom Colbert (non-affiliated Independent) and moved swiftly to a vote.

All 15 councillors voted in favour of the application.