Fresh plans to legitimise a controversial affordable home near Brecon have been lodged with Powys planners.
Declan and Sarah McCarthy have submitted a new planning application for land at Caemawdy Slough just outside the village of Bronllys.
This comes two and a half years after councillors on the Powys Planning Committee refused a similar application, and last year planning officers refused a second application.
But the main difference is that the new proposal is a “full” planning application, while the one rejected in January 2024 and the one refused in November 2025 were for “outline” applications.
The family do have permission for buildings associated with a carpentry business at the site.
Planning agent Julian Edwards of Rhydygroes Planning explained: “This is the third planning submission relating to the principle of residential development on this site.”
After the last application was rejected last November, Mr Edwards explained that a meeting was held with Powys planning officers to discuss an “appropriate way forward”.
Advice was given to the applicants to submit a full application that reflects what has already been built there, as well as providing details on the private wastewater treatment plant.
Mr Edwards explained that the new application looked to address all four reasons why the last application had been refused.
Mr Edwards said: “The applicants have a well-evidenced and pressing need for affordable housing within the Bronllys and Talgarth area.
“Sarah’s family connection to the area dates from the eighteenth century, and the family retain close relatives and an established support network locally.
“Declan operates McCarthy Kitchens and Interiors, a joinery business established in 2017 and seeking to operate from the approved workshop on this site, employing local tradespeople and an apprentice.
“The applicants have been unable to secure suitable affordable accommodation to rent or purchase in the local area.
“The family also maintain a pedigree flock of Valais Blacknose sheep on the wider landholding, with an established need to be present on site for lambing, animal husbandry and security.”
Mr Edwards concluded that the new application overcomes a “locational objection” because of a “demonstrable relationship” to the workshop, the Honey Café, and the wider pattern of development along the former A479 corridor.
And the proven local housing need of the applicants adds weight to overcome this objection.
The wastewater treatment works would address the second objection.
Delivering “demonstrable green infrastructure and biodiversity benefit” would answer the remaining questions.
Mr Edwards said: “On this basis, it is respectfully submitted that the application accords with the relevant provisions of the adopted development plan, appropriately addresses each of the council’s previous reasons for refusal, and represents sustainable development that should be supported and approved.”
A decision on the application is expected on September 1.






Comments
This article has no comments yet. Be the first to leave a comment.