PLANS to build houses near listed buildings in a small village are being recommended for refusal by Powys planners.

Councillors will decide the proposal by Mr W Wainwright at a meeting of Powys County Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, October 5.

Mr Wainwright has lodged plans to build two houses at the Post Office field, next to Yew Tree Barn, in Llanwnog near Caersws.

The proposed dwellings will each measure 14.5 metres in width eight metres in depth with an eaves height of 2.1 metres and a ridge height of 5.55 metres.

The site is being used as a base for a building company.

However, there are snags with the proposal, the first being nearby listed buildings, and the second being the type of development allowed in a village the size of Llanwnog.

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Local county councillor, Les George has “called in” the application to be discussed and decided by councillors on the Planning committee.

Powys’ built heritage officer, Dr Sam Johnson who said that the site is near to Gwyneira Grade II listed farm and buildings and also the Grade II* (star) listed St Cynog’s church.

The site is also next to Llanwnog conservation area.

Dr Johnson said: “The proposal will have an impact on the setting of the listed building, and an accompanying Heritage Impact Assessment should have been included with the proposal.”

Dr Johnson advises his colleagues in the planning department that the proposal can be refused as “insufficient information” has been supplied to prove the scheme would not negatively impact on the listed buildings.

Planning officer, Luke Woosnam explains in his report that under policies in the current Local Development Plan (LDP) building houses in a rural village such as Llanwnog, is restricted to an affordable home, or meets a housing need.

Converting or renovating a “rural building” or abandoned house can also be considered.

In Mr Woosnam’s opinion the proposal fails to meet the policies.

“It is considered that the proposal would result in unjustified residential development,” said Mr Woosnam.

Due to these factors Mr Woosnam concludes that the proposal should be refused and recommends this course of action to councillors.