A proposal to build a number of houses on a site between Builth Wells and Hay-on-Wye has been submitted to Powys County Council.

A site currently containing several old barns has been chosen for a possible future site  of four residential houses in the village of Painscastle, between Builth Wells and Hay-on-Wye.

The planning application, prepared by Asbri Planning on behalf of George Henry Herdman, was submitted to Powys County Council in June 2024 and validated by the council on July 3 as it awaits a decision on whether it will be approved.

According to the application, there are currently seven buildings on the site, one of which is Grade II listed, with the plan outlining a proposal to convert the derelict buildings into four new houses.

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The application says: “The current barns on site, whilst in good structural condition, run this risk of falling into a state of disrepair should successful conversion not be forthcoming.

“The planning application seeks full planning permission and listed building consent for conversion of barns for residential use, and associated works at Newhouse Farm, Painscastle.

“It is proposed to convert all barns and ancillary buildings contained within the red line boundary of the accompanying site location plan to create a total of four two-storey residential units.

“The form of each barn is to be retained with external alterations limited to ensure the original character and appearance of the existing buildings are retained. An external building is also proposed for bat mitigation purposes.

“All proposed residential units will be open market.”

The application also includes comments from both a planning officer and built heritage officer made during pre-planning discussions.

The planning officer’s response says: “The buildings are structurally sound and their conversion would be acceptable. Their listed status would require them to be retained and therefore a conversion that would give them a useful future would be welcomed.

“The number of open market units proposed is acceptable, given that the proposal is for the conversion of existing buildings in a Rural Settlement. The principle of the proposal is acceptable.”

The built heritage officer’s response added: “Listed Building Consent would be required for the proposed works and such applications must be accompanied by a Heritage Impact Assessment. The proposed conversion is supported in principle, subject to amendments and further details to the plans provided.”