Plans to convert barns near Trefeglwys could create 11 homes

Plans for 11 new homes near Trefeglwys have been submitted to Powys County Council planners.

Colin and Mandy Powell of Grandstand Farm, Trefeglwys, have applied to convert two barns at Garthpwt Farm between Trefeglwys and Clatter into 11 homes.

They have lodged two applications, one to convert the north barn into three homes.

The second application is to convert the west barn into eight homes.

The plans also including building five bays to allow vehicles to allow cars to pass each other on a narrow country road as well as a parking area.
Agent, Ian Pryce explained the proposals in a Design and Access statement that accompanied the applications.

Mr Pryce said: “The residential conversions will provide modern high-quality dwellings which will help to continue to sustain the community socially and economically.

“The development will reinforce the social and economic viability of the area particularly in regard to Carno (primary) school.”

Mr Pryce said that the two storey “L” shaped outbuildings had been well constructed and that the conversion would be sympathetic to how they originally looked..

Mr Pryce said: “It is essential that as many of the original features as possible are preserved and if necessary repairs with traditional materials and techniques.

“The proposed development has been designed in accordance with conservation philosophy with as much of the original building fabric retained or replaced like for like if possible.”

Mr Pryce also says that the existing natural screening of the site would mean that the conversions would be “unobtrusive to others.

The family who also run “Luxury Lodges Wales” a tourist business in Trefeglwys, had looked into converting the barns into holiday accommodation.

Mr Pryce said: “The barn conversion as planned would provide high quality units of holiday accommodation.

“This market has been very competitive with many farmers, entrepreneurs etc moving into the marketplace to take advantage of a growing market in recent years.

“The area is already well served with holiday accommodation I consider that a proposal to use the conversions for holiday accommodation would not be viable.”

Mr Pryce believes that converting the barns for a residential purpose should be seen as a “windfall project” that would help fulfil the need for a mix of housing in the area.

Powys planners have until March 14 to decide on the applications.