Controversial plans for a tourist accommodation development in Llanwrtyd Wells have been given the green light by Powys county planners.

In January, Mr G Davies lodged a planning application with Powys County Council to erect three holiday lodges on land south of Station Road.

The proposal included a sewage treatment plant, improved access and all associated works and is seen as a farm diversification project.

The two-bedroom lodges would be 13 metres in length, 6.1 metres in width and 3.9 metres in height, and will have a timber-style cladding.

But there have been 35 objections lodged against the proposal. These were on issues that include: how close they are to nearby properties, noise nuisance, increase in parking, that the development is out of keeping with the character of the area and a general dislike of the proposal.

Earlier this year, Llanwrtyd Wells Town Council discussed the application and “raised no objections” against it.

Planning agent Richard Corbett of Roger Parry and partners explained the proposal in a planning statement.

Mr Corbett said: “Mr Davies would like to offer a unique holiday experience, allowing visitors to relax and escape in this rural setting.

“The proposal has been sited on grazed land to the south of Lasswade House Hotel and benefits from the ability to screen the proposed lodges from the surrounding views and ensure visitors have total privacy.

“Llanwrtyd Wells may be Britain’s smallest town, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to history, music and culture.

“The area has excellent nearby attractions including Elan Valley, Brecon Beacons, museums, and plenty more.”

Mr Corbett stressed that tourism makes a “substantial contribution” to the Powys economy and supports over 12,300 jobs in the county.

Mr Corbett added: “With rising uncertainty in rural businesses, diversification offers a way of supplementing incomes and improving the economic viability of a rural business.”

In her report, planning officer Catherine James addressed the objections and said that he lodges would be 68 metres away from the nearest house.

Ms James said: “At this distance loss of privacy is minimal particularly if landscaping is put in place.

“It is recommended that a condition be attached requiring additional landscaping to mitigate any adverse impacts.

“With regard to noise, it is acknowledged that use of such lodges may have a different pattern of use to normal residential use.

“However, they would be for a restricted residential use, and the lodges are for two-bedroom units only which limits the number of people using them at any time.”

Due to all of this, she said that the application complied with policy and granted conditional consent.

Before any building work can take place, a sustainable drainage application needs to be submitted and approved by the council.