Powys councillors have given the go-ahead to extend a barn near Brecon without the need for a formal planning application.

Less than a month ago, Gary Arnold lodged an agricultural notification application with Powys planners to extend a barn using permitted development rights at Cefn Coed Mawr bungalow, Sarnau, near Brecon.

In his application, Mr Arnold says that the extension will be nine metres by four metres, and it will be used for “secure storage”.

The application came before Powys County Council’s planning committee at a meeting on Thursday, April 16.

Committee chairman Cllr Gareth D Jones (Powys Independents – Llanfair Caereinion and Llanerfyl) explained that the application had come in front of them as the applicant, Mr Arnold, is “a close relative of an officer in the authority”.

Solicitor to the planning committee, Rachel Mole, said: “Given the nature of the applicant, I have taken the opportunity to review the file, and I am satisfied it has been processed correctly.”

Senior planning officer Rhian Griffiths said: “It is considered that the proposal is permitted development under Part Six of the permitted development rights.

“It is further not considered that there are any concerns that would warrant further information to be requested through the prior approval process.

“The recommendation is therefore that the notification can be determined as permitted development without the need for prior approval.”

Cllr Angela Davies (Liberal Democrat – Rhayader) said: “If I have read this correctly, the only reason it’s come before this committee is because the applicant is a relation of an officer in the authority.

“So, there are no consultees, there are no objections, it meets all the planning requirements and in any other circumstances it would be permitted development.

“I move that we approve this – we have the word of our legal officer to say that everything has been done correctly.”

The proposal was seconded by Cllr Ed Jones (Powys Independents – Old Radnor) and the committee proceeded to a vote.

Councillors went on to vote unanimously to support the proposal.

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In June 2024, Mr Arnold was given planning permission by the committee to build a horse-riding arena at the site.