Plans to demolish four blocks of six flats ahead of a new housing development in Ystradgynlais have been given the thumbs up by Powys planners.

Last summer Powys County Council was given the go-ahead by councillors on the planning committee to build 16 one bedroom flats at Ael Y Bryn and Pen Y Bryn in Ystradgynlais.

To make way for the new build scheme the 24 flats that are now seen as unsuitable to meet the needs of local residents need to be demolished.

The new scheme would occupy the same area as the existing buildings.

The non-material amendment planning application was made by Principal Engineer at Powys County County Council, Simon Kendrick and is to allow the council to make changes to seven conditions that formed part of the planning permission approved in July 2023.

Mr Kendrick said he wanted to make the changes to allow the demolition to take place before the main development and allow for ground investigation works to happen.

The development, which will include green spaces, gardens and 22 car parking spaces, is part of a long-term council investment programme which aims to improve the quality of life for people living in the area.

In her report, planning officer, Catherine James said that the changes needed to pass four tests before being approved.

These are around whether the scale or impact of the tweaked proposals would affect anyone visually affect the attractiveness of the area, disadvantage any “third party” or conflict with any local or national planning policies.

Ms James said: “The proposed amendments are not great enough to cause a different impact nor have any effect on the physical appearance of the development to that caused by the original approved development scheme.

“No third party or body will be disadvantaged in planning terms by varying the wording of the conditions.”

Ms James said that the changes to the wording of the conditions does not conflict with any national or local development plan policies.

The council expects that demolition work will start on October 1.