CONTROVERSIAL plans to establish the principle to build an affordable home on land at a village near Brecon have been lodged with Powys County Council again.

Declan and Sarah McCarthy have submitted an outline planning application for and affordable dwelling, new access, installation of sewage treatment plant and all associated works at Caemawdy just outside Bronllys near the Honey Cafe.

In January, the council’s Planning committee rejected a previous proposal despite a request to allow a site meeting to take place.

An added complication at the time  was that Welsh Government Planning Inspectors were mulling over an appeal by lodged Mrs McCarthy.

This was against enforcement action taken by the council for “temporary residential accommodation” at the site which doesn’t have planning permission.

This appeal against the enforcement  is still “in progress” with Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) planners.

The family do have permission for buildings associated with a carpentry business at the site.

Planning agent Julian Edwards of Rhydygroes planning said: “The application site nestles immediately adjacent to the defined settlement of Bronllys.

“The site already benefits from full planning permission for a workshop, to run their family business, McCarthy Kitchens and Interiors.

“Part of the business is now operating from this site.”

Mr Edwards explained that the failed earlier proposal “helped inform” the fresh application and to “overcome” the reason for refusal.

He said that high and good quality agricultural land should only be developed when there is an “overriding need” and when there is no developed or lower quality agricultural land available to build on.

Mr Edwards said: “The latest submission has indicated why, for a number of reasons, that the dwelling is now justified in this location, and the site also benefits from an approval for the workshop building where the principle has been accepted for loss of some land.”

He added that the rest of the land will be used to “support” pedigree Caemawdy Valais Black nose sheep.

Mr Edwards said: “This application for an affordable local needs dwelling to accompany the workshop will also aid in maintaining, growing, and managing the business and stay local, while juggling a young family and their flock of sheep.

“This will also give added security, due to the track record of targeted break-ins to business premises within the area when not monitored.”

Mr Edwards believed that building a house at the site would be seen as a “logical” addition to the village.

As part of the consultation process a council housing officer has said that detail needs to be provided in an “affordable housing scheme” document that explains how the house will “remains available” in the future for those in housing need in the area.

A decision on the application needs to be made by July 22.