Plans to partly legitimise the conversion of a house in Builth Wells into flats have been rejected by Powys planners.

A year ago, Andrew Condren of Lincolnshire-based New Direction Properties Ltd lodged a partly retrospective planning application with Powys County Council to turn the three-storey terraced house at 8 Castle Street in the town into five apartments.

They would be a mix of one- and two-bedroom units.

While all five apartments would have separate bathrooms, only two of the apartments, numbered three and five, would have their own kitchens.

During the consultation on the application, Welsh Government environment body Natural Resources Wales (NRW) pointed out some issues with the scheme.

These were around the risk of flooding and that the property is in the River Wye Special Area of Conservation (SAC) catchment area.

This means that Powys planners need to consider the potential impact the development could have on water quality in the area.

NRW said: “To overcome these concerns, you should seek further information from the applicant regarding protected sites.

“If this information is not provided, we would object to this planning application.”

While not objecting to the proposal, Powys county councillor for Builth Wells, Jeremy Pugh, said that he had “concerns” about parking there.

Other people have made objections to the proposal due to the number of flats within the building as well as the lack of parking.

Senior planning officer Catherine James said: “Objections have been received to the proposed development being out of character with the area and concern that five units is too many.

“It is considered, however, that given the proximity of the existing dwelling to the town centre, conversion to apartments is appropriate and sustainable in this location.”

But as the proposal is for five housing units, Ms James explains an affordable housing contribution is needed.

Ms James said: “Such a proposal has not been made in this instance, and no information has been provided.”

Ms James continued: “It is considered that the proximity of the town centre makes the site a sustainable location in terms of travel and transport.

“The Groe public car park is close by, providing car parking availability should this be required.”

Ms James went on to recommend refusing the proposal.

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Ms James explained: “The proposed development makes no provision for affordable housing in accordance with adopted policy and insufficient information is provided to determine whether there will be no harm to protected species as a result of the development.”