Houses Near Flood Risk Approved Despite Concerns in Powys, Wales

Council members agreed on a housing project. It is planned for land near possible flooding. The plan involves 29 houses. This would happen at Pen-y-Borfa, near Caersws. Caersws is a village in Powys, Wales.

Towyn Marine Properties Ltd proposed this plan, representing landowners Alwyn and Geraint Jarman. Powys Council’s committee discussed it February 19th. The location is meant for housing, and an earlier plan for 43 houses was approved in 2020.

A later request to remove sheltered housing was denied in 2023. Planners said a new request was needed to change the development size, prompting the developer to submit a new request. Lorraine Jenkin advised approval with conditions.

Councilor Jonathan Wilkinson felt concerned about the proximity to the flood risk area. He requested strong flood protection assurance, emphasizing the difference between the plan’s safety margin and the 500 meters of protection his town has.

Councilor Elwyn Vaughan wanted a delay, suggesting a drainage plan could lessen flood risk. He expressed concerns about a “holding pond” meant to protect from flooding and wanted these issues resolved before approval.

Councilor Gareth Pugh supported the housing, stating that objecting might cause an appeal. He trusted expert evidence and wanted to approve the plan with conditions, finding it unfair to require drainage plans at this stage, since the pond design would face later checks.

Peter Morris stated that drainage is a separate issue and that deferral was not a valid option. He said the council must judge the plan itself. Vaughan’s delay idea failed, while Pugh’s approval idea passed 13-2-1.

The decision now goes to Welsh inspectors, who will review factors and views. They might take over the process fully or return it for final approval.