Plans to build tourist accommodation just south of Rhayader have been approved by Powys councillors.

The application was considered at a meeting of Powys County Council’s Planning, Taxi Licensing and Rights of Way Committee on Thursday, July 17, as one of the applicants is Angela Davies - the Liberal Democrat councillor for Rhayader.

Cllr Davies and her husband Tony first submitted the application in March 2021, seeking permission to site four one-bedroom holiday pods in a field at Cae Henfron, just off the A470 trunk road.

The proposal also includes access, associated works (partly retrospective), and a car parking space for each pod.

Progress on the application had been delayed due to interim phosphate regulations introduced in 2021, affecting developments near river Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). The nearby River Wye falls within one such protected zone, meaning the scheme - like many others - had to be screened to assess potential phosphate pollution risks.

These interim standards have since been updated by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

Cllr Davies, who sits on the Planning Committee, declared an interest and left the meeting while the proposal was discussed.

Planning officer Rhian Griffiths said: “The proposal complies with guidance regarding phosphorus impact on the River Wye.”

Ms Griffiths recommended that councillors approve the application.

Committee solicitor Rachel Mole said: “Due to the nature of the applicant in this matter, the protocol dictates that the file is reviewed to make sure it is processed correctly, and I can confirm that is the case.

Cllr Elwyn Vaughan (Plaid Cymru) pointed out that NRW had opposed the “principle” of the scheme during the consultation process due to how the applicants intend to deal with foul drainage from the site.

Cllr Vaughan asked: “They are opposed, but you think it’s OK?”

Ms Griffiths answered: “They (NRW) raised concerns over the method of foul drainage – their comments on the application suggest it should be connecting to the main sewer that runs in Rhayader rather than having a private system.

“But they acknowledge themselves that the development is over 150 metres away from that sewer and their guidance is that it’s generally feasible to connect at a distance of 30 metres per unit.”

The calculation means that for four units the maximum distance should be 120 metres.

“So, it’s in excess of their own guidance,” explained Ms Griffiths.

Cllr Huw Williams (Labour) said that he was willing to propose the committee accept the officer’s recommendation and approve the scheme.

His proposal was seconded by Cllr Ed Jones (Powys Independents) and the committee then went to a vote,

This saw 14 councillors voting in favour of the application with one councillor abstaining.