A business that has outgrown its current premises has been told by Powys County Council that it can build a brand-new factory in Newtown which could create at least 25 jobs.
Pent Haus currently makes composite timber panels for garden rooms from three small “unsuitable” units on the Mochdre Industrial Estate near the Newtown Bypass.
The business' plans to build a 900 square-metre unit with solar panels and an 80-space car park with garden on land between Cedewain School, Garth Owen Wood and Heol Ashley on the industrial estate has been granted planning approval with no objections.
The business owners said the new development would help Pent Haus grow and create more jobs in the town by increasing the workforce from nine to at least 35 employees. It also looks to work alongside local colleges and schools to encourage young people in Mid Wales into manufacturing and engineering.
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Planning officer Kate Bowen said the development is a "good quality design and would complement the character of the surrounding area".
She added that the development "would not encroach" on public open space such as Garth Owen Wood. The field was used by generations of Garth Owen and Maesyrhandir residents before it was fenced off in 2021 which prompted a local campaign to work with the owner to save the top half of the fenced off field for people to sit and enjoy.
Pent Haus said the proposed two-storey purpose-built unit on the Mochdre Industrial Estate would enable the company to make production much more efficient “as it takes demand to the next level”.
“There is a dire shortage of commercial space, this new site will also free up the three existing units that will be ideal for start-up companies,” the company said.
“The development will provide a significant economic boost to Newtown and Mid Wales as well as promoting economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits including job creation, support for local businesses, increased enjoyment and recognition of the area’s cultural history.”
The Innova Mill group, which was initially established in 1983, with the main business being Adventa, claims to be a market leader in lean automated manufacturing and supplies customers from around the world with products manufactured in Newtown.
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