Residents in the southern tip of Powys and nearby Neath Port Talbot will have extended Sunday and bank holiday recycling hours at their local centre.

In May, a planning application was submitted by the council’s principal engineer, Simon Kendrick, seeking to extend the opening hours of Ystradgynlais Household Waste and Recycling Centre on Bethel Road, Lower Cwmtwrch.

The application requested a non-material amendment to condition three of the original planning permission for the site, which dates back to 2012.

The site’s Sunday and bank holiday hours will be extended, changing from 10am–4pm to 9am–5pm.

The council says this will “enable future operational flexibility of the site.”

Planning officer Hannah Miller said: “The previously approved hours were placed on the centre to protect local amenity in terms of noise and smell.

“The environmental protection team have responded to the consultation and do not raise any concerns or objections to the increase in hours.

“Given the location and distance, it is considered that the interests of any third party or body will not be affected by the proposed changes.

“The minor increase in hours/nature do not materially alter the approved scheme.”

Due to this, she granted planning permission.

The site was highlighted last December when Cabinet members approved a consultation on the council’s draft waste and recycling (sustainable resource) strategy for the next five years.

At the meeting, it was revealed the council has an agreement with Neath Port Talbot Borough Council allowing its residents to use the Lower Cwmtwrch site.

In April, Northern Irish firm Bryson Recycling took over management of this site, as well as those in Brecon, Llandrindod Wells, and Newtown, while Potter Group continues to run the Welshpool site.

Alongside the change in operators, the council’s controversial booking system was introduced.

Councillors were informed earlier this month that a review of these operational changes will take place in the autumn.

For more details on recycling centre opening times visit: https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/17848/Our-Household-Recycling-Centres