PLANS for a house in a Ceredigion village near Aberystwyth can only go ahead if it is agreed it can be an affordable unit rather than on the open market, county planners have agreed.
In an application before Ceredigion County council’s development management committee meeting of September 11, Mrs R Jenkins sought permission for a reserved matters application on an open-market dwelling at Penybryn, Llanafan.
The infill site is currently used for agricultural purposes, sandwiched between a block of semi-detached houses and a stable block.
The application was recommended for refusal as it was contrary to the housing strategy of the local development plan.
A report for committee members said the plan allows for an additional 10 units to be developed at Llanafan, with commitments for nine, leaving a requirement of one unit.
The report said the latest Local Housing Market Assessment “outlines a very limited need for additional open market housing” but “a significant need for affordable housing,” adding: “As the proposal is for an open market dwelling, it would not address the need identified as the Housing Register indicates need for affordable housing only.”
It went on to say: “Should the applicant wish to develop open market housing in the locality, then the LDP provides sufficient opportunity for development in the Llanilar ‘Service Centre’. This presents a more sustainable location to meet any existing open market housing need in the general area.”
While the LDP levels for affordable housing were questioned by agent Gwennan Jenkins, of JMS Planning and Development, officers told members affordable housing was the “number one issue,” with Llanafan currently having none.
Members agreed to delegate powers for officers to approve the scheme as an affordable unit, the plans otherwise refused.
