As part of the Replacement Local Development Plan, PCC have re-categorised Llanfechain as a Local Cluster and no housing allocation is currently proposed. Even if additional housing was required – 25 properties on such a small site is high density relative to the rest of the village and other similar locations in Montgomeryshire.

Our school is at 90% capacity, our local health services are stretched, and the general infrastructure and the sewage facility are understood to be close to capacity. The condition of existing drains, pavements, roads, and junctions should probably be addressed prior to any significant expansion.

The site was selected for the LDP contrary to the recommendations of the Community Council and based on questionable analysis. This undermined any Community Council value and created a negative impact on local grassroots democracy.

The site abuts the Conservation Area on two sides and will impact the historic centre, affecting the view from the Churchyard and impinging on the quiet enjoyment of adjacent properties.

The whole purpose of the Conservation Area is to preserve the Historic Centre of the Village and the various listed properties therein, including Plas yn Dinas Inn and St Garmon’s Church.

The proposal could introduce another 75 motor vehicles to the village, potentially adding 150–200 new daily movements in and out of Llanfechain at the junction with the B4393, which is already dangerous at certain times of the day.

Significant increases in vehicular traffic through Maes Dinas (including sewage tankers) and pedestrian traffic along Church View (which has no pavements) could create greater congestion and unnecessary public safety risks.

Hard surfacing from the development, which is on the edge of the flood zone, could reduce natural drainage, potentially making flooding of properties around Cain Bridge more frequent.

This is likely to damage property (homes and vehicles), worsen road closures and congestion, and make properties uninsurable.

One of the footpaths has been blocked due to unauthorised signage since at least November 2021, and it is now intended to either divert or stop up one or both footpaths.

At least one of the footpaths is well used and forms part of the Village Circular Walk, popular with both locals and visitors. Re-routing either of these amenities through a housing estate, as opposed to the historic meadow, is unlikely to improve the village.

Some villagers have raised questions about the timing of the application in relation to the Pre-Application Consultation period, and the availability of supporting documents requested during consultation.

Clarification is currently being sought from the planning authority to ensure the process has been followed correctly and transparently, and that the community has a fair opportunity to engage.

The site and adjacent areas host a broad number of species including Tawny Owls, Little Owls, Barn Owls, Red Kite, bats, otters, hedgehogs, and Sparrow Hawks. Many of these creatures hunt in the Church Field and hedgerows. The proposal could have a significant impact on these species.

Welsh Government has recognised in recent years that high-quality agricultural land such as this needs to be protected, and that development should be steered towards lower-value agricultural land and brownfield sites.