Residents in a quiet rural village are concerned noisy stag and hen parties could descend on the area if plans for new holiday cabins are approved.
There are worries a proposal to build four new holiday cabins at a countryside site near Newtown, Powys, could bring unwanted noise to the area by attracting party-goers.
Application details and concerns
Earlier this year Kidderminster-based Tyler Richards submitted a planning application to Powys County Council for four holiday cabins, new access, package treatment plant, and all associated works land south of Bwlch-y-Ffridd. The application will go before its planning committee for a decision on September 3.
But members of a local community council said there are "great concerns" over noise and the application seeking for the holiday cabins to cater for larger groups. Aberhafesp community councillors have called for conditions to be attached if the application is approved to "prevent group bookings".
The community council previously considered the proposal in February and stated: "The councillors have great concerns over the noise, how the site be managed [sic], people will be there to enjoy themselves, how will this be policed?"
Residents' worries and response
It also raised concerns from residents in the area who said a previous application for cabins to be built on the land stated the holiday lets would be "family-orientated" but claimed this application was "catering for larger, possible party groups".
"If the application was to be granted could there be a condition attached to it to prevent group bookings e.g. hen/stag parties?" councillors asked.
Ted Maury of Hughes Architects said the new application was for four one-bed small cabins "thereby offering the same number of beds" as a "previously agreed" application for two two-bed holiday pods.
He said: "Our client is an experienced developer with an established business. they currently run eight properties, two of which are glamping pods, under the Hidden Gems name."
"The proposals represent a sustainable use of land that will enrich the Newtown area through contributing sensitively to the tourism industry."
Planning officer's recommendation
Senior planning officer Rhian Griffiths said: "The application has been assessed and considered on its compliance with planning policy. Whilst there are concerns in relation to the highway access it is not considered that the development represents an overdevelopment of the site which would otherwise conflict with planning policy."
Addressing concerns regarding the management of the units Ms Griffiths added: "Whilst this concern is noted it is unfortunately not a planning matter which can be taken into consideration."
"Several objections request that if planning permission is granted, that it be subject to conditions restricting the type of bookings that can be made to avoid groups, the use of drones/fireworks. These are not considered to meet the necessary tests for applying conditions."
She will be putting forward a recommendation that councillors grant approval for the scheme.
