PLANS to place 23 static caravans in a hamlet near Llanfair Caereinion have been given the green light by Powys County Council, despite objections from the town council and residents.

The proposal for Banwy Mill Caravan Park in Melin-y-ddol went before the county council’s planning committee on Thursday, May 23.

Planning officer Holly Hobbs recommended that councillors should approve the application on the basis that it would “positively contribute to tourism within the county while safeguarding the character and appearance of the landscape, highway safety, biodiversity and amenities enjoyed by Powys residents”.

Twenty-one objection letters and eight letters of support were received in response to the proposals. Those in favour of the development said the family-run business, who already run a local caravan park, would bring holiday makers to the area and would help support businesses in the area.

Objectors say it would have an “unacceptable impact” on Melin-y-ddol and impact neighbouring properties including listed buildings.

The proposal to site 26 caravans was reduced to 23 following the built heritage officer’s comments stating that some caravans were visible on land higher than Melin-y-ddol which would “harm” the setting between the historic mill and the new development.

Ms Hobbs said given that another caravan park located less than a mile away from the application site: “It is not considered that the proposed static caravans would be read as alien. Officers do not consider that the proposed development will have an unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area features within the landscape,” the report says.

Llanfair Caereinion Town Council objected to the proposals on a number of grounds.

It says the “disproportionate” size of the development would have a “highly detrimental” effect on residents.

More than a dozen residents raised their concerns about the increased traffic, impact on wildlife and the size of the caravan site, at a town council meeting in January.

The applicants, Philip and Anna Pryce, of Dolgead Hall, say it will help create jobs in the area and that investing in the redevelopment of the caravan park will be investing in the local area and its people.

  • The application was passed by 11 votes to four.