One Planet rural development at Cae Gardd Felin Fach, Brecon

What was proposed

The application sought a One Planet Development with a residential cabin, outbuilding, decking, pole barn, solar panels, new access and associated works.

“Proposal: One Planet Development including a residential cabin, outbuilding, decking, pole barn, solar PV array, new access and all associated works…”

Officer report

Site and surroundings

The site is in open countryside, near a Grade II listed chapel, with the proposed dwelling lower down the slope than the chapel.

“Officers note that there have been objections to the location of the dwelling and it’s potential impact on the setting of the listed chapel to the north. The dwelling as a result of those concerns has been moved further away from the chapel and will now sit at a lower elevation than the chapel wall.”

“PCC Built Heritage Officer has been consulted and considers that the revised siting of the dwelling lower down the slope of the field compared to the earlier application (23/1786/FUL) that was refused, is now acceptable. The application field slopes away from the chapel to the south and the building itself is approximately 20m north of the site boundary.”

Officer report

Earlier application

An earlier One Planet Development application for the site was refused on 26 June 2025.

“23/1786/FUL One Planet Development including a residential cabin, outbuilding, decking, polytunnel, pole barn, solar PV array, new access and all associated works Refused 26th Jun 2025”

Officer report

Officers recommended approval

Officers recommended conditional approval because the proposal was considered consistent with One Planet Development policy and other relevant planning policies.

“A One Planet Development (OPD) is a sustainable form of development promoted through Welsh planning policy, designed to ensure that residents live within the environmental limits of the planet. As defined in Planning Policy Wales and Technical Advice Note (TAN) 6, OPDs must demonstrate exceptionally low ecological footprints, high standards of self-sufficiency, and strong land-based management systems.”

“In this case, the development is proposed as a land-based development and is supported by a Management Plan and the details of annual monitoring. The Management Plan is considered to be appropriately detailed and covers all of the matters identified in government guidance and provides an appraisal and assessment of the development. As such, it is concluded that the proposed development satisfies the requirements for land based OPD set out within national planning policy.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The local representative spoke before leaving, followed by the Community Council chair as objector and two applicants as supporters.

Committee discussion

Members received clarification from officers about the proximity of structures within the surrounding area.

“Clarification was received from Officers relating to the proximity of structures within the surrounding area.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The application was moved and seconded for approval as recommended by the officer.

“It was moved and duly seconded to approve the application as recommended by the officer.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted consent subject to the conditions set out in the officer’s report.

“RESOLVED: Reason for decision: that the application be granted consent, subject to the conditions set out in the report which is filed with the signed minutes.”

“As officer’s recommendation as set out in the report which is filed with the signed minutes.”

Minutes