Powys County Council has confirmed plans to sell part of the Watton Car Park in Brecon for £200,000, paving the way for a £15 million development aimed at providing homes for older people.
On Thursday, April 10, Liberal Democrat cabinet members Cllr Jake Berriman (planning portfolio holder) and Cllr Sian Cox (adult social care) will take a joint delegated decision to sell the land to Wales and West Housing Association (WWHA). This will facilitate the construction of an Extra Care housing facility, along with a day care centre, at the nearby Roy Hatton Car Sales site on Free Street.
A report prepared for the council stated: “The land has been declared surplus and the procedure outlined in the corporate asset policy in relation to the sale of surplus property has been complied with.
“Additionally, the land was valued by the Valuation Office Agency on September 25, 2024, at a market value of £200,000.”
As part of the sale agreement, an additional £50,000 will be allocated to maintain three trees and plant bushes at an agreed position near the bus station, in collaboration with WWHA.
The report also highlights the importance of this land sale for the success of the project. If the sale does not go through, the development could be scaled back or jeopardised, with the potential loss of “five to seven units,” which would lead to higher costs for future residents. Additionally, a proposed “dementia-friendly garden” could be at risk.
The worst-case scenario, the report states, is that WWHA might abandon the scheme entirely and sell the site to recover their costs.
Local councillors for Brecon East, Cllrs Liz Rijnenberg and Chris Walsh (both Labour), have expressed their support for the proposal.
“We have been assured that the sale of the extra land was included within the original planning application,” they said.
“We will monitor with interest the development of this scheme, in particular, the plan to include a day care centre, which we strongly support.”
The decision is set to take effect next week, following a five-day period during which councillors can call the decision in for scrutiny.
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, which oversees planning in this part of Powys, approved plans for the 66-apartment Extra Care facility a year ago.
In doing this they went against the advice of their planning officers.
In July, Welsh Government planners issued a holding direction on the proposal, but by August, they decided not to intervene, allowing the permission to be granted.
Extra Care facilities are designed for individuals over the age of 65 and aim to provide independent living with on-site care and support. It is hoped that the new facility will open in 2027.