COUNCILLORS will decide in principle whether a developer will be allowed to build a housing estate on a former school site in Ystradgynlais.

On Thursday, July 4, the planning committee will consider an outline planning application to build 42 homes at the Ysgol Gynradd Gymunedol Penrhos site on Brecon Road.

Although the plans are outline and could change in the future, developers, Penrhos School Developments are looking to build:

  • seven two bedroomed homes,
  • two three bedroomed houses,
  • 19 three bedroomed houses
  • 14 four bedroomed homes

The application has been called in before the committee by local member, Cllr Huw Williams (Labour – Ystradgynlais).

Ystradgynlais Town Council  discussed the application in November but offered no observations.

Principal planning officer, Gemma Bufton, said in her report: “The site is located on the former Penrhos Primary School in Ystradgynlais.

“Whilst the main school building has now been demolished it is noted that the site has been left dormant since the former use.

“Due to the application site being identified under the LDP (Local Development Plan) for residential development, it is therefore considered that the principle of residential development within this location complies with the relevant planning policy.”

The report adds that no affordable homes will be part of this development as: “Ystradgynlais falls within the South-West Powys sub-market area with 0 per-cent contribution to affordable housing.”

Ms Bufton also says that a contribution of £17,500 has been agreed subject to a section 106 agreement to provide new fixed play items for a nearby playground.

Consultants Asbri, representing the developers, said: “The planning application is supported by comprehensive studies which have informed the nature of the proposed development and the indicative layout.

“It is concluded that the proposal represents an acceptable and sustainable form of development which complies with the relevant national and local planning policies and supplementary planning guidance.”

Ms Bufton in her report recommends conditional consent for the application.

Ysgol Gynradd Gymunedol Penrhos was one of several schools in Ystradgynlais that was closed in 2012 as part of a multi-million scheme by Powys County Council.

Four schools were to be built in the area to replace 10.