Powys: Plans for new homes behind Caersws' Plas Maldwyn

The bid comes from Newtown-based Mid Wales Property (MWP), which held initial talks between December and January on the proposal to build on land beside Plas Maldwyn in Caersws.

The site has an historic existing planning permission for 24 homes.

MWP’s agents, Asbri Planning Limited explain that the 22 units earmarked for the site would be split into 13 two-bedroom properties and nine three-bedroom properties.

In the pre-application consultation report, Asbri said the proposal had received two objections – but they have been kept confidential and the document redacted.

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Caersws Community Council held an extraordinary meeting on January 4 to discuss the pre-application plans, at which councillors raised concerns about access and possible flooding issues.

The council said it will “respond in more detail” when the application is lodged with Powys.

In a planning statement Asbri explained the proposal.

Asbri said: “The site is brownfield in nature, having previously occupied a building associated with the Llys Maldwyn Hospital

“The site is vacant having previously been used for construction material storage associated with the residential conversion of the neighbouring Victorian Workhouse and later, Llys Maldwyn Hospital.

“The applicant has identified a local need for a mix of two and three bed quality affordable and mixed tenure housing.”

They add that each dwelling would have its own garden and there would also be a “shared community garden” at the site.

Asbri explain that the affordable housing policy for this part of Powys asks for a 10 per cent contribution.

Asbri said: “The scheme proposes three affordable dwellings which would meet the criteria and would make a modest contribution to the delivery of affordable housing in the county.

“It is considered that proposals comprise an exciting opportunity to develop a vacant land parcel in a sustainable location."

The proposed homes site

Powys planners are expected to decide the application by April 19.

The Grade II listed Victorian era Plas Maldwyn opened in August 1843.

It was the workhouse designated for the Newtown and Llanidloes area and would have accommodated around 300 paupers.

In 1948 it was sold to the NHS and became Llys Maldwyn Children’s Hospital until its closure in 1999.

After being empty for several years, the building was converted into apartments.