Developers at a Grade II* listed historic mansion near Welshpool have been served a notice by Powys County Council to stop work after being denied planning permission.

Developers Ben Sutterby and Raj Saini were refused retrospective planning permission by the council at the beginning of June to make alterations to the 18th century Llanerchydol Hall.

The pair lodged full and listed building consent applications with Powys County Council to convert the stable and clock tower at Llanerchydol Hall to provide accommodation, tea and function rooms.

However, they were refused on the grounds that “insufficient information” was submitted “to fully assess the extent of the works proposed to the listed building” and that the proposed works were “considered inappropriate” and “would significantly harm the character and historic fabric of this listed building”.

County Times: Llannerchydol Hall from Geograph by Dave Croker - usable under Creative Commons Licence

However, work at the site, which was built in 1776, continued, leading to Powys County Council issuing a temporary stop notice (TSN).

Cabinet member for a connected Powys, Cllr Jake Berriman, said that the council could yet pursue further action.

“The planning department is aware of unauthorised works at Llanerchydol Hall. An initial site visit was made last summer by the Built Heritage Officer where the owners were advised to stop all works,” said Councillor Berriman.

“Planning and Listed Building applications have been submitted for the site but were refused in June. A temporary Stop Notice was served by the council’s enforcement officer on the June 14 2023.

“A further site visit is planned to assess the extent of unauthorised works and establish a way forward, either through a planning application to fully rectify the works or the serving of an enforcement notice.”

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Members of the public who have contacted the County Times have raised concerns about the condition of the listed Japanese water garden which they claim has been “utterly decimated by heavy machinery”. Counillor Berriman confirmed that “there is no additional planning or consent regime in relation to Registered Historic Parks and Gardens.”

Cadw have also said they have had members of the public raise concerns with them about the activity at the site.

A Cadw Spokesperson said: “Cadw has been alerted to works taking place at this grade II* listed building and the registered historic park and garden and have informed Powys County Council as the local planning authority.

“If there has been a breach of listed building or planning controls, it will be for Powys County Council to take enforcement action.”

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Natural Resources Wales (NRW) visited the site last week after concerns were raised about the impact work might have on local wildlife.

A spokesperson said: “Llanerchydol is known to be an important parkland site for biodiversity, with historic lichen surveys having revealed significant interest on the old trees here.

“We do not believe any offences have been made on site under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.  We also investigated under the Environmental Damage Regs 2009 with regard to the newts and ponds and are not minded to issue any prevention or remediation notices, but will advise the owners about the need for licencing in future.”  

“The police are the enforcing authority in relation to protected species, not NRW and any potential wildlife crime should be reported directed to Dyfed Powys Police.”