Plans for 153 homes in Ystradgynlais could be decided by Powys councillors.

This is the second time that Cllr Huw Williams (Labour – Abercraf and Ystradgynlais) has asked to “call in” the plans for the massive housing development at land west of the former Penrhos School on Brecon Road in the town to be decided by members of Powys County Council’s Planning committee.

In August it emerged that Persimmon Homes West Wales had refreshed the application, which had originally been lodged with Powys County Council in January 2023.

This saw a new consultation take place on the new larger proposal.

The new version is for more housing with 153 units mooted for the site, when it had originally been for 134.

The proposal in 2023 followed an earlier application by Persimmon Homes for 42 homes – referred to as phase one – which received planning approval in August 2022.

Cllr Huw Williams said: “I have previously requested that this application be called in due to the proposed scale of the development and its effect on nearby residents.

“I reiterate this request and would wish to speak as a local representative.”

Cllr Williams adds that he also knows that at least two residents wish to speak at a Planning committee meeting against the proposal.

In a revised Planning, Design and Access Statement, Persimmon Homes West Wales Planning Manager, Luke Grattarola explained the application.

Mr Grattarola said: “The proposed development comprises of 153 homes comprising of a range of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom dwellings.

“All dwellings are two to three storeys in height.

“The mix offers a wide range of properties including starter, mid-market and larger family homes.

“The house type style ensures that the proposed dwellings respond to the character of the area.”

“In addition, the development will provide a massive boost to the local economy through the construction industry and its multiplier effect.

“That is, for every £1 spent in housing, £3 goes back into the economy and that each home built creates 1.5 full-time jobs.

“It is also estimated that at least twice that number of jobs is created in the supply chain.”

The original application made no mention of one-bedroom apartments being part of the development.

The documents explain that 135 of the dwellings would be two, three and four bed houses.

This leaves the remaining 18 to be one-bedroom flats of the “Cranbourne” house type design.

All the homes can be sold on the open market as there is no expectation from the council that developers contribute affordable homes as part of proposals in this part of Powys.

Documents lodged with the application suggest that Powys council itself could be interested in buying some of the houses.

This is if they are built to comply with the Welsh Design Quality Requirements and “evidence of housing need” is found in the local community.

A decision on the application is expected by October 15.