New homes could be built for Powys village near A470

The proposed development in Caersws consists of 29 three and four-bed redbrick homes with 50 car parking spaces on land called Penybortha just off the A470 Carno Road. Half the two-hectare field, is in a flood zone and would be kept as recreational ground for residents and members of the public to enjoy.

Powys County Council is expected to make a decision by April 2024.

The village, which is a 15-minute drive from Newtown, has a petrol station, cafe, railway station, community centre, convenience stores and pubs.

There could be two four-bed detached homes, six three-bed terraced homes, 10 three-bed semi-detached homes, and 11 three-bed detached homes including three affordable homes if plans are given the go-ahead.

The applicant was granted outline planning permission for 43 homes, sheltered housing and a bus layby in 2020 but that has since lapsed. 

The new planning application with 14 fewer homes was to make sure there was no flood risk the the proposed development or neighbouring properties.

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Penybortha (left) lies near the A470 road. (Image: Google Street View)

A planning statement on behalf of the applicant said: "The local landowners have been working on this site for many years and want to make sure that they produce a high quality ‘mixed house size’ development scheme, that will provide an aesthetically pleasing place both to live in and to observe from the public view.

“It is a unique opportunity to make a beautiful community dwelling place, with access to plenty of outdoor space, recreation, and views over the wonderful surrounding countryside, yet within walking distance of Caersws and all its amenities.

“The landowners have therefore taken great care and time to produce the optimum design plan, which avoids even the 1,000-year flood areas and raises the heights of the houses as even extra futureproofing, in order to give a wide range of people and families the chance to own a home in this very special place.

"There is purposefully a good mix of smaller, inherently more affordable houses, as well as a few larger houses. The aim is to provide more affordable housing for local younger generations wanting to stay in the area, but also for older generations to downsize and stay longer in the area, whilst freeing up larger family houses in Caersws and around.

“Finally, the landowners want Penybortha to be a legacy of which they and Caersws can be proud, and people can enjoy. They want to produce a place that people will look at and reflect that it has been done very well, fits in well aesthetically with the area and is a great place to live.

“The provision of homes that meet the needs of an aging rural population is required more than ever. At the same time allowing housing adaptations to support and retain a younger population in rural areas ensures the long-term viability and sustainability of the rural idyll.”

Comments for the application 23/1784/FUL can be submitted online or to planning.representations@powys.gov.uk.