Powys councillors will be asked to decide whether or not a formal planning application is needed for a proposal to extend a barn near Brecon.

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.”

But there are issues with the site in that it is in open countryside, within the River Wye catchment area, which is phosphorus-sensitive, and 60 metres away from ancient woodland.

These constraints mean that, under section 13 of the council’s constitution, the application is brought in front of the Planning Committee at their meeting on Thursday, April 16, for a decision.

A Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) screening report accompanies the application, which looks at what impact the barn would have on the River Wye Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The report said: “It is confirmed that the development will be for storage purposes and will not be used for the accommodation of livestock or the storage of slurry.”

Senior planning officer Rhian Griffiths said: “This application has been screened in accordance with Natural Resources Wales’ (NRW) advice for planning applications affecting phosphorus-sensitive river SACs.

“It is considered that there are no likely significant effects on the SAC as a result of these development proposals, as there is unlikely to be a source of additional phosphorus or a pathway for impacts.”

Due to this, Ms Griffiths said the development had been “screened out.”

Ms Griffiths continued: “It is considered that the development, as submitted under this notification, complies with afforded permitted development rights.

“Consideration has been given to the siting, design, and external appearance of the proposed building; however, it is not considered that there are any concerns that would warrant further information through the prior approval process.”

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In her recommendation to the committee, Ms Griffiths added: “The development as proposed is permitted development, and prior approval of the works will not be required.”