New home for bats proposed at Aberbran barn conversion

PLANNERS at Powys County Council are to consider varying planning permission for the conversion of agricultural buildings to two new. dwellings at Llwyn-y-Merched, Aberbran to allow a garage to be used as a home for bats.

An application to the council for the change in planning conditions explains that a bat loft was originally proposed in the barn complex along with various access points and creation of gaps for crevice-dwelling bats.

However, the re-roofing of the barns included a modern breathable membrane which is not suitable for use where bats are present. Given the scale of the work needed to replace the membrane with a more suitable material, an alternative building is proposed to house a bat loft and enhancement features.

“The garage proposed serves the purpose well while adding a much-needed garden storage building and covered parking. The building is aligned with the other barns and is of a design and scale that is not out of place in a farm complex.

“It also serves to screen the garden to create privacy without compromising on parking space. The natural materials used blend well with the surrounding countryside and the adjacent barns,” explains the application.

Sun could shine on solar farm for longer than planned

THE owners of a solar farm on the site of the former Bryn Henllys open cast mine near Cwmllynfell, Upper Cwmtwch, Swansea have asked planners at Powys County Council to consider extending the operational life of the far farm from 25 to 40 years.

If granted, the application will bring the farm in line with a similar operation on an adjacent plot of land, which has already been given an operational lifespan of 40 years.

Application for goods vehicle yard in Builth Wells

Baden John Powell trading as BJ + CD Powell of Cefn Garth, Gwenddwr, Builth Wells, LD2 3HX is applying for a licence to use Cefn Garth, Gwenddwr, Builth Wells, LD2 3HX as an operating centre for one goods vehicle.

Goods vehicle applications for Kington and Presteigne

MRH Haulage Ltd of Lower Hengoed, Gladestry,

Kington, Herefordshire HR5 3PL, is applying for a licence to use Lower Hengoed, Gladestry, Kington, Herefordshire HR5 3PL, as an operating centre for

three goods vehicles and a trailer and to use Tarmac Ltd, Dolyhir + Strinds Quarry, Burlingjobb, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2PW as an operating centre for two goods vehicles