PLANS for 33 new homes in Montgomery have been recommended for approval – despite falling outside the town's formal development boundary.

Powys Council's planning committee will discuss the application from Mid Wales Housing Association for the affordable homes off Forden Road on Thursday (October 21).

Earlier this year, Montgomery county councillor Stephen Hayes called in the application to be discussed by the committee.

Cllr Hayes pointed out that the land is an “exception site” which means that it is outside the town’s development boundary, and only affordable homes would be allowed on the site.

Cllr Hayes said:  “I welcome proposals to provide affordable dwellings in Montgomery.

“I note that this proposal relates to an exception site, and that land with a housing allocation in the current Local Development Plan is situated nearby, and lies undeveloped.

County Times: Cllr Stephen HayesCllr Stephen Hayes

“I also note that this site was previously designated as an employment site.

“For both these reasons, I would prefer to see this proposal brought forward on to the allocated housing site.”

Cllr Hayes also pointed out that the  junction of New Road and Forden Road next to the site is dangerous with poor visibility.

Montgomery Town Council is also “broadly supportive” but has “serious concerns” about the proposed access onto Forden Road.

Powys council planning officer, Richard Edwards said: “It is considered the proposed application provides a high-quality development on an exception site location compliant with planning policy and providing 100 per cent affordable housing that responds to local need.

“The recommendation is therefore one of conditional consent.”

A total of 26 conditions have been placed on planning permission if councillors are in favour of the proposal.

Amongst these are: drawings for a link road and unclassified road, U4810 need to be submitted to the council and before anyone can move into the homes “all highway improvements” need to be fully completed.

In a planning statement, Pickstock Homes said: “This area of Montgomery has seen generally housing development expanding from the town centre towards the site with some commercial development adjoining the site to the southwest.

“A variety of affordable housing will contribute to the areas housing requirements

“The scale of the development will be limited to one and two storey houses.”