A Reform UK Senedd Member has criticised a decision to approve a six-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO) in Ystradgynlais, saying residents “deserved better”.

Iain McIntosh, who represents Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, spoke against the proposal for the former St John Ambulance office on Derwen Road when it was considered by Powys County Council’s Planning Committee on Thursday.

The committee voted by seven votes to four, with two abstentions, to approve the application.

Cllr Huw Williams, the local member for Abercraf and Ystradgynlais, also spoke against the plans, amid strong local opposition.

Mr McIntosh said he was “bitterly disappointed” by the decision, but said what concerned him most was the warning given to the committee by Dyfed-Powys Police.

The force did not formally object to the application, but raised concerns about the location and its potential impact on an existing anti-social behaviour hotspot.

Mr McIntosh said: “Nobody should pretend their response was some sort of clean bill of health.”

He said police had warned that HMOs could have an impact on crime, disorder, parking, nuisance and neighbourhood cohesion.

He also highlighted concerns raised by police about a nearby public footpath and the potential fear of crime for women and girls using it.

“How much more warning did the committee need?” he said.

Mr McIntosh said he was pleased that fellow Reform UK councillor Karl Lewis had recognised the police concerns and proposed that a proper CCTV system should be required if permission was granted.

But he questioned why the committee had approved what he described as a “more intensive form of occupation” in an area already identified by police as an anti-social behaviour hotspot.

“To Ystradgynlais residents, today’s decision will feel like the committee simply stuck two fingers up at both their concerns, and the very serious evidence placed before it by the police,” he said.

Mr McIntosh also questioned whether the decision was consistent with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act and Planning Policy Wales, which he said placed an emphasis on creating cohesive, safe and inclusive communities.

“Planning should not simply be about asking whether a development can technically be squeezed through the system,” he said.

“It should be about what sort of places and communities we are creating.

“When the police are warning about anti-social behaviour, community safety, neighbourhood cohesion and the safety concerns of women and girls, I struggle to understand how approving this application strengthens the community of Ystradgynlais.

“I believe the committee got this decision wrong. The residents of Derwen Road and the surrounding area deserved better.”

The full details of Thursday’s planning committee meeting, including the debate over the police concerns, can be read in our previous report.