Plans to convert a house in Ystradgynlais into a children’s care home have been given the go-ahead by county planners.

Back in March, Neath-based Silver Lining Care Ltd lodged an application with Powys County Council to change the class use of number one Astoria Place on Derwen Road from a residential dwelling house (C3) to a children’s care home (C2).

Planning agent Ceri Davies explained the proposal in a planning statement.

Mr Davies said: “The application relates to the proposed use of the property as a children’s care home for occupation by up to two young people, aged between eight and 18 (years old).

“These residents will be assisted in their daily lives by a number of care staff, with typically two staff on site at any one time.

“Whilst the proposal involves minor adaptions and modifications to the property, no physical alterations are required to the internal or external fabric of the building.”

Silver Lining Care Ltd specialises in care for children, and they run several care homes throughout South Wales.

Mr Davies continued: “Silver Lining recognise the importance of a suitable environment for children in its care, the importance of an attractive home, the proximity, including the availability of trained staff within the vicinity, is helpful when any staff are unwell or specific additional needs arise.

“Collectively this venue will work together for the benefit of the young people they care for.”

There had been several objections to the proposal due to the fear of an increase in crime, anti-social behaviour, reduction of house prices and not enough parking provision at the site.

Dyfed-Powys Police had also raised concerns about the proposal and highlighted that there are five children’s care homes in the area, four of these are in Powys.

The police said that they had to deal with reports of 85 missing people from April 2024 to March 2025 from three children’s care homes.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys police said: “That’s an average of seven vulnerable missing people per month - resulting in high demand for the police.”

The police then went on to suggest several conditions be placed on any planning permission granted by the county council.

These include that: no more than two are cared for at the home, they are between eight and 18 years old, there are at least two members of staff on duty between 7am and 8am and 2:30pm to 11:30pm, and there are at least three members of staff there on weekends and school holidays with at least two awake during the night.

Planning officer Luke Woosnam said: “While we have carefully considered the concerns raised by local representatives, after reviewing the scale of the proposed unit, consultee comments, and guidance from Dyfed-Powys Police and similar planning appeals, we find that there is insufficient evidence to support these concerns, or the fears expressed.

“Officers therefore recommend that the application be approved subject to conditions.”

These include all the conditions that were suggested by the police.