A Newtown undertakers has been given permission to convert a three-bedroom house and its large garden into a funeral parlour.

Plans submitted by Leach & Sons have been approved by Powys County Council, which will include a mortuary, chapel of rest and coffin workshop at Mount Severn in Pool Road.

The long-established business has been looking to relocate after outgrowing its current base near the Bradleys Costcutter and petrol station in Llanidloes Road.

The council received three objections to the proposed development which included concerns about residential properties losing value as a result of having a funeral parlour near-by a and the loss of a family-sized home during a housing shortage in Newtown.

Mount Severn is an attractive, detached, residential property located next door to the council's Kirkhamsfield Depot, and is opposite a car dealership.

The Newtown undertakers plan to use the house as its reception, family rooms, and offices with a new 366 square metre building in the grounds of the property for the mortuary, chapel of rest, coffin workshop and hearse garage.

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The “generous” garden space would provide 13 car parking spaces including two electric vehicle charge points for staff and visitors.

The senior planning officer recommended that the use is restricted to funeral parlour only to avoid the use changing to a general retail in the future. The workshop and preparation and chapel of rest buildings would be located at the rear and side of the existing dwelling, but closer to the boundary with the council depot rather than the neighbouring house.

County Times: Mount Severn, Pool Road, Newtown. Picture by Google Street View.Mount Severn, Pool Road, Newtown. Picture by Google Street View.

The decision report states: "The proposed use, by its very nature, is likely to be quiet and discreet, however the proposed use would involve additional traffic movements to that currently experienced at the site and also activity at unsociable hours which may result in general disturbance and noise.

"Public responses have raised concerns over the impact of the development upon property values which is not a material planning consideration."

Applicants Powys Funeral Services said the move from Llanidloes Road would help the “longevity of the business in the area” and sustain the employment of nine local people with scope to create more jobs.

According to plans, the existing site in Llanidloes Road is a “small inefficient property which hampers their efficient operation” to “provide an essential service to families in Newtown and the surrounding communities”.

The business manages around 140 funeral a year, which is around three funeral a week.. The proposal states that the business “will not cause a significant amount of noise” with all of the work taking place inside the dedicated workshop.

One of the conditions set out by Powys County Council is that the use of the office and workshop shall not be carried out outside 8.30am to 5pm from Monday to Friday.