Plans Approved to Convert Historic Farmhouse near Ystradfellte into a Home
PLANS to convert a derelict historic farmhouse near Ystradfellte into a home have been approved by Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority (BBNPA) Planning committee.
The application by Mr Tremlett for Maesydderwen near Tyle house which includes extensions to the building came before the BBNPA Planning committee at a meeting on Tuesday, July 14.
The installation of a foul water drainage system and standalone solar panels were also part of the scheme.
The report said that the applicant intends farming the land and manage the section of forestry within their ownership.
The application had been brought before the committee as the application is of “public interest” due to concerns from the Brecon Beacons Park Society
The report included a statement from the society which said: “We are concerned that the proposed development might not conserve and enhance the Natural Beauty and cultural heritage of the park
“It is considered that this development does not appear to comply with development plan policy.”
Planning officer Lisa Williams said that it was not known where the name Maesydderwen had come from.
Tithe maps dating back to the 1840s name the farmhouse as Tyle, and it is “assumed:” that this was the original farmhouse and “may” have had “medieval origins.”
She explained that several versions of the proposal had been discussed and “negotiated’ between the applicant and BBNPA planners.
Ms Williams told the committee that the society’s concerns had been about the original application.
Ms Williams said: “It is unfortunate that the society has not responded to revision, however the authority does consider that the scheme in its current form respects the traditional character of the building which shall be brought into use again and made fit for the future.”
She went on to recommend the committee give the application permission with conditions.
Welsh Government appointed member Professor John Hunt asked whether a geological survey had been conducted in relation to surface water drainage.
Ms Williams said that Natural Resources Wales (NRW) had not “raised” the need for a geological survey to take place and Powys County Council Environmental Health are “happy” with. the foul drainage proposals.
Prof Hunt said: “I’m faced with a philosophical thought, should buildings be brought back into use or not?
“What is a ruin to us is a habitat for life that has colonised it and charmingly reflects history and archaeology, develop it and its gone, it’s not a solution to the housing needs of the park.”
He asked whether: “should old farms like this be developed?”
Cllr Edwin Roderick (Powys) said he supported developing the building rather than: “seeing ruins” and recommended moving to a vote to back the officer’s recommendation
Welsh Government appointed independent member Dr Liz Bickerton said: “The restoration of a historic building in the landscape has to be a good thing, our countryside used to be a vibrant place and anything that brings people back in has to be a good thing.”
She seconded the proposal to move to a vote.
A vote was held and the committee unanimously supported the proposal.
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By BBC LDRS
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