Powys planners are advising councillors to approve an application that will keep a fast-food preparation trailer in the middle of Llanwrtyd Wells.
At a meeting of Powys County Council’s Planning committee on Thursday, July 7, councillors will discuss a planning application for the hot food preparation trailer at Spar Stores, Irfon Terrace, Llanwrtyd.
The application has been lodged by Didar Singh of Premier Stores to keep the trailer at the site.
Similar applications were approved in 2018 and 2015 and the original planning permission goes back to 2012.
The application has been called in for a decision by councillors by former Powys County Councillor for Llanwrtyd, Tim Van Rees on the grounds that it “obstructs the right of way,” is “unsightly” and is “unnecessary” due to the “abundant” take away facilities in the town.
Another issue with the takeaway trailer is that it is 50 metres away from the Neuadd Arms and the Llanwrtyd War Memorial Institute, they are both Grade II listed buildings.
Planning officer Frances Holms said: “The application seeks consent for the continuation of the siting of a hot take-away food preparation trailer which measures approximately 6.8 metres in length 2.1 meters in width and three metres in height at the highest point.
“This application would be for retrospective permission since the trailer is already present on site.
“It is considered that the proposal meets policy as it is located within the town of Llanwrtyd Wells, serves the needs of the local area through the provision of takeaway services and does not undermine the retail hierarchy or have an unacceptable adverse impact on the vitality or viability of the retail centre or other nearby centres.”
“Whilst some level of concern has been raised it is not considered that the retention of the trailer in this position would further harm the setting of nearby listed buildings.
“It is considered that the proposed development fundamentally complies with relevant planning policy and the recommendation is one of conditional consent.”
One of the conditions attached to the planning permission is that the trailer is there for three years before being moved from the site.
Mr Singh’s agent Darren Mills said “The proposed unit has been used for hot takeaway food preparation for the past twelve years, the food is then sold via the Premier Stores to be consumed off the premises.
“The proposed development is appropriate for the location and is sited in such a way as to achieve positive economic, social and environmental impacts.”