Powys councillors approve contentious housing plan for Caersws despite flood risk worries raised during the debate.
Powys councillors approve contentious housing plan for Caersws despite flood risk worries raised during the debate.
Housing Plan Backed in Mid Wales Village Despite Flood Concerns
The council’s planning committee discussed this on February 19. The site has been for housing in the local plan since 2020. Earlier, they approved plans for 43 houses and sheltered housing. In 2023, they rejected deleting the sheltered housing part.
Planners then said a new application was needed. This new application addressed the development’s size. Lorraine Jenkin advised approving the application with conditions. The committee debated flood risks and prevention.
Jonathan Wilkinson felt the flood risk boundary was too close. He wanted strong protection for homeowners. He cited better flood protection in Meifod. Councillors made three proposals for voting.
Geoff Morgan wanted to reject it, but nobody supported him. Elwyn Vaughan proposed delaying the vote. He wanted a sustainable drainage application first. Vaughan noted concerns about a “holding pond”.
This pond is meant to protect the development. He wanted drainage issues resolved before approving homes. Karl Lewis agreed with Vaughan. Gareth Pugh supported the housing scheme.
He feared an appeal if they objected. He trusted the professional advice. He suggested following recommendations with conditions. Pugh thought a drainage application was too expensive beforehand.
He said the drainage board would check the pond later. Huw Williams seconded Pugh’s approval proposal. Peter Morris said the drainage application was separate. He didn’t think delay was a legitimate reason.
He stated they should judge the plan on its own merits. Vaughan’s delay idea was rejected. Councillors then voted on Pugh’s approval proposal. Thirteen voted yes, two voted no. One councillor abstained.
The Welsh Government might still review the plans. The council’s report now goes to Welsh Government inspectors. They can take over the process. Or, they can let the council authorize the planning permission.
The council’s planning committee discussed this on February 19. The site has been for housing in the local plan since 2020. Earlier, they approved plans for 43 houses and sheltered housing. In 2023, they rejected deleting the sheltered housing part.
Planners then said a new application was needed. This new application addressed the development’s size. Lorraine Jenkin advised approving the application with conditions. The committee debated flood risks and prevention.
Jonathan Wilkinson felt the flood risk boundary was too close. He wanted strong protection for homeowners. He cited better flood protection in Meifod. Councillors made three proposals for voting.
Geoff Morgan wanted to reject it, but nobody supported him. Elwyn Vaughan proposed delaying the vote. He wanted a sustainable drainage application first. Vaughan noted concerns about a “holding pond”.
This pond is meant to protect the development. He wanted drainage issues resolved before approving homes. Karl Lewis agreed with Vaughan. Gareth Pugh supported the housing scheme.
He feared an appeal if they objected. He trusted the professional advice. He suggested following recommendations with conditions. Pugh thought a drainage application was too expensive beforehand.
He said the drainage board would check the pond later. Huw Williams seconded Pugh’s approval proposal. Peter Morris said the drainage application was separate. He didn’t think delay was a legitimate reason.
He stated they should judge the plan on its own merits. Vaughan’s delay idea was rejected. Councillors then voted on Pugh’s approval proposal. Thirteen voted yes, two voted no. One councillor abstained.
The Welsh Government might still review the plans. The council’s report now goes to Welsh Government inspectors. They can take over the process. Or, they can let the council authorize the planning permission.