Outbuilding conversion at Mount Alaw, Llanddeusant

What was proposed

The application sought to change the approved plans for converting an outbuilding into a home and creating a new vehicle access.

“Description: Application under Section 73 for the variation of condition (13) (Approved Plans) of planning permission 47C152 (conversion of the outbuilding into a dwelling together with the creation of a new vehicular access) so as amend design on land opposite…”

“This is an application under Section 73 for the variation of condition (13) (Approved Plans) of planning permission 47C152 (conversion of the outbuilding into a dwelling together with the creation of a new vehicular access) so as amend design on land opposite Mount Alaw, Llanddeusant.”

Officer report

The site

The site is in open countryside, beside a single-track country road, with a derelict building opposite Mount Alaw.

“The site is located in the open countryside and is accessed via a single track country road. The derelict building is located opposite a property known as Mount Alaw, Llanddeusant.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Permission was granted in 2017, but later works breached that permission after part of the building intended for retention was demolished.

“In 2017 planning permission was approved on the site under planning application number 47C152 for the conversion of the stone outbuilding into a residential open market dwelling, alterations and extensions and the construction of a new vehicular access. This permission was granted under policies of the…”

“A lawful use application was submitted under LUE/2024/27 which provided evidence that a material start had commenced on permission 47C152 thus safeguarding the consent. However, this was determined as Unlawful on the 6/12/24. To give a bit more background, the case officer confirmed that a material start had commenced on the site in way of digging a trench using a digger and placing a Sewage Treatment Plant on the land.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would improve the untidy site, retain most of the outbuilding and provide biodiversity enhancements.

“Even though the proposal amounts to 15.93 square metres of existing outbuilding being demolished it does not alter the amount of re-building required on the outbuilding that remains on site. On this basis it is considered that approving the alterations would be an improvement to the untidy building and steel structure currently on the site. The finished conversion will be an improvement to the area.”

“The proposal is a departure from Policy TAI 7 and the Supplementary Planning Guidance on Conversions in the open countryside, however the interest of improving the current untidy site will see a visual improvement to the area. The proposal only represents a small area of wall (15.93 square metres) to be re-built and the majority of the stone outbuilding is to be retained.”

Officer report

Consultation and publicity

The public rights of way officer raised no objection, the ecological adviser requested measures concerning ivy, and no public representations had been received.

“Consultee Response Swyddog Hawliau Tramwy Cyhoeddus/ Public Rights of Way Officer Public Right of Way not affected Cynghorydd Jackie Lewis Dim ymateb Cynghorydd Llio Angharad Owen No response Cynghorydd Kenneth P.”

“The proposal has been advertised through the posting of a notice on site and the distribution of personal letters of notification to the occupiers of neighbouring properties. A notice was also placed within the local newspaper due to the proposal being a departure, contrary to Policy TAI 7 of the Joint Local Development Plan. The latest date for the receipt of any representation was the 02/02/2026.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in support, describing the proposed family home and the reasons for delay in starting the development.

Members' views

Members heard that the building was in poor condition, supported the reconstruction and considered approval better than leaving a partly completed building.

“This meant that the applicant had contravened the original permission and it would no longer be possible for them to carry out the work in accordance with the original permission. As a result, the applicant has submitted a further application to amend the design and to carry out further construction work than was permitted previously.”

“It is considered that approving the alterations would be better than refusing the application and leaving a partially completed building on the site. The recommendation was of approval of the application in accordance with the planning conditions contained in the Officer’s report.”

Minutes

The committee's decision

The committee approved the application in accordance with the officer recommendation and the conditions in the report.

“Councillor Kenneth Hughes, and a Local Member said that the family have had to live in a caravan for a number of years to enable them to be able to develop a family home on the site. He said that he supported the application and proposed that the application be approved in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation.”

“It was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation, subject to the planning conditions contained within the report.”

Minutes