Ground-mounted solar panels at Brecon Beacon Natural Water, Trap, Llandeilo

The site and its setting

The application site could not be seen from publicly accessible parts of Castell Carreg Cennen, including from within the castle walls.

“This photograph was taken from what Officers consider to be the best possible view of the site which is directly in front of the Castle stood on high ground. The shed roof of Brecon Carreg can be made out in the centre of the photograph. No visible view of the application site is available. The photograph was taken with no magnification.”

“The photograph above was taken from within the Castle walls, no view of the application site is available from within the publicly accessible parts of the castle. To obtain a view of the application site the public would have to climb up onto the far wall in the photograph. The view would be similar as shown in the first photograph.”

Officer report

Earlier committee consideration

The application was deferred for a site visit because members were concerned about its possible effect on Castell Carreg Cennen.

“This is an update report following deferral of this application at the Planning Committee on the 28 th October 2025 for a site visit. The site visit is intended to be undertaken on the 9 th of December 2025. Members were concerned as to the proposed developments impact upon Castell Carreg Cennen.”

“Following the 28 th October 2025 planning committee meeting officers have visited Castell Carreg Cennen to photograph and video the application site from the Grade 1 Listed building and their findings can be found in the main body of this report.”

Officer report

The recommendation

The application was recommended for approval because no harm to Castell Carreg Cennen was identified and the scheme was considered policy-compliant.

“Following an additional site visit, the original recommendation to Planning Committee for approval of the scheme subject to conditions remains. No negative impacts were considered to be imposed upon Castell Carreg Cennen. No further conditions are recommended. The development proposed, is considered to demonstrate compliance with National Planning Policy and the relevant policies of the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Local Development Plan (LDP).”

“RECOMMENDATION: Delegate powers to Director of Planning and Place to grant planning permission subject to planning conditions in paragraph 11 of the 28 th October 2025 appended Report.”

Officer report

Consultation and representations

No new differing information came from agents or consultees, while a Member of Parliament raised concern about the time taken to decide the application.

“No new information has been received by the Authority from the agents or consultees differing from that set out in the original committee report (which is appended to this report).”

“A letter has been received from Ann Davies MP expressing concern over the length of time it has taken to determine the application and urges the authority to make a decision as soon as possible.”

Officer report

Who spoke

No public speakers addressed the committee, and the case officer gave a presentation.

The vote

The motion to delegate permission to the Director of Planning and Place, subject to conditions, was proposed, seconded and agreed.

“Proposal The officer recommendation that Members delegate powers to the Director of Planning and Place to grant planning permission subject to the planning conditions in paragraph 11 of the report, was put to Members. Proposed: Cllr H Davies Seconded: Cllr H Williams…”

“Decision The officer recommendation that Members delegate powers to the Director of Planning and Place to grant planning permission subject to the planning conditions in paragraph 11 of the report, was agreed.”

Minutes