Glamping plans approved

Plans for a glamping site near between Llanwrtyd Wells and Llangammarch Wells has been praised by a councillor as something of “great beauty.”

Powys County Council’s planning committee met on Thursday, September 9 and discussed plans by Michael Atack and Georgina Taylor to bring back into use a number of redundant farm buildings to become a glamping site.

Three former grain silos would be transformed into tourist accommodation with reception, orangery, tool workshop, and conversion of a barn into facilities for guests.

The application had been “called in” to be decided by the planning committee by local county councillor Tim Van Rees who spoke at the meeting and said that there were objections from neighbours.

As the road is “extremely narrow” Cllr Van Rees if the application was approved wanted to see conditions placed of the permission for passing bays to be constructed, before building work starts.

Applicant, Michael Atack explained that Maesyron is near established tourism hotspot of Llanwrtyd Wells, “sits alongside” the Epynt Way and is near forest walks, national cycle ways and mountain bike trails.

Mr Atack said: “We aspire to help raise the profile as a tourist destination, our proposal is aimed at people looking to escape to nature to enjoy these substantial benefits.

“We are proposing a small-scale low impact site built from upcycled and natural materials.

“In time we will provide employment opportunities for local people.”

Mr Attack added: “We have worked closely with the planning and highways authority and made significant changes to our plans to address concerns.”

“Our initial proposal had been reduced from eight to three and we have also agreed to implement two passing bays.”

Planning agent, Barrie Davies of Asbri planning said:  “Much of this road has been resurfaced.

“The road is  typical of the rural road network across large parts of Powys, whilst it isn’t the M4 it’s operated perfectly well for many decades.”

With the additional two passing bays, and all the farm, field and house entrances that are not strictly classified as formal passing areas, the 1.7 mile stretch of road between Maesyron and Cefn Gorwydd has 33 passing opportunities for drivers explained Mr Davies.

Part of the design that has been questioned is making holiday units out of 5.2 metres high disused grain stores.

Principal planning officer Gemma Bufton who recommended approving the plans said: “It’s a unique proposal, it’s not something we have seen in Powys.”

Cllr David Price said: “On balance I think this is a wonderful application one might say that the design of the silos is subjective.

“As I look around the countryside most farms today have either silos or bins to meet the needs of bulk deliveries.

“As long as we have correct conditions to ensure the landscaping and the finish of those silos is managed appropriately then I think they are something of great beauty.

“We need to welcome tourists to enjoy what we have here, and this is a high-class application.”

Cllr Price was prepared to propose the plans of approval.

Cllr David Selby said:  “In another location this is what I would call a brown field site.

“A whole load of unattractive derelict buildings are being re-purposed and brought back to life, in any other location we would celebrate that, and I celebrate it here.”

Cllr Selby added he would be “happy” to second the motion to approve the plans.

Councillors voted in favour of the application with 14 votes for, none against and one abstention.