Councillors have approved a “One Planet Development” near the Grade II listed Maes y Berllan Baptist Chapel, despite local concerns over its proximity to the historic site.

At a meeting on Thursday, March 12, Powys County Council’s Planning Committee considered an application from Emma Rodell to build a residential cabin, outbuilding, decking, pole barn, solar array, new access, and associated works at Cae Gardd, near Felinfach.

One Planet Developments allow sustainable, low-impact, land-based development in the open countryside, requiring residents to live within ecological limits while generating income, food, and energy on-site within five years.

The application raised questions due to its location being in a field next to the chapel. A previous proposal had been refused for being too close. Local county councillor Tom Colbert (Liberal Democrat – Bronllys and Felinfach) “called in” the application for committee consideration.

Cllr Colbert said: “It’s a controversial application in the local community. It’s clearly a subjective question as it needs some judgement. How far away is far enough?”

Chairman of Felinfach Community Council, Cllr Steve Shepstone, highlighted the chapel’s historic significance and active congregation.

“Although the accommodation hut has been moved further down the field, the reality is it’s still visible, it’s still deemed to be close to the chapel,” he said. He suggested committee members visit the chapel to view the site for themselves.

Adelaide Rodell has worked with her sister on the project for a number of years.

“In the first application, the cabin was positioned at the top corner of the field close to the chapel boundary wall and was considered to be too close by Dr Johnson,” said Ms Rodell.

“It needed to be relocated further away from the chapel and that’s been addressed in this application to the satisfaction of Dr Johnson.”

She explained that the cabin was sited seven metres lower than the chapel and below graveyard line of the site, and that new hedges would also screen it.

Miss Rodell said: “It’s over 70 metres away from the chapel.”

She explained that Wales had “led the way” with the One Planet Developments as a response to climate change and she hoped the project would be an “exemplar” the county could  be proud of.

Cllr Gareth E Jones (Powys Independents – Llanelwedd) said: “I intend visiting once it is up and running to make sure what they say is correct – my view is that it will be marginally visible from the chapel yard.” He indicated he would propose accepting the officer’s recommendation.

Cllr Elwyn Vaughan (Plaid Cymru – Glantwymyn) said: “I understand with this type of development a business plan needs to be submitted to show long-term sustainability.”

He asked planning officers if one had been lodged with the application and if they were happy with it.

Senior planning officer Catherine James confirmed: “Yes, and as officers we are satisfied it meets all the requirements.”

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The committee voted nine in favour and one abstention, approving the development. Ms James had recommended approval, supported by the council’s built heritage officer, Dr Sam Johnson.