A TOURISM  business that  just received permission to build  three shepherd's huts, has been given the green light to change one hut for camping pods.

In June, Jake Powell of Llwyn Gwilym Farm, near Rhayader received planning permission to build Three Shepherd's Huts on family land as part of a tourism enterprise.

But since receiving his permission Mr Powell has looked into what that tourists want, and believes that a mix of accommodation would be better.

Agents, Roger Parry and Partners, said Jake's Pods already has an established history as a tourism enterprise, with the shepherd's huts in operation and a number of bookings received for both week night and weekend stays.

They said: "Mr Powell want's to offer a unique holiday experience, allowing visitors to relax and escape in this rural setting in close proximity to the market town of Rhayader and the Elan Valley.

"Mr Powell received planning consent to erect three Shepherd's Huts upon his land to develop his own tourism enterprise.

"Having continued after gaining consent to research the market and further develop his business plan he established that tourists preferred a mix of accommodation from camping pods to yurts, to timber lodges and shepherd's huts.

"Following his research Mr Powell proceeded to develop the site with two of the three original approved shepherd's huts, however he has not placed in situ the third shepherd's hut, but has instead sited four camping pods within his tourism development.

"Mr Powell did not have planning consent for the four camping pods and is as such applying for part retrospective consent to modify the design of the accommodation from shepherd's huts to camping pods and to add a further two units to his development.

"The proposal will provide additional tourist accommodation in Powys, contributing to the economy."

Powys County Council interim head of property planning and public protection, Ken Yorston, confirmed the changes this month (September).