A TEMPORARY chairman had to be chosen to take the helm at a Planning committee meeting as councillors discussed two applications that had been lodged by Cllr Gareth D Jones.

When the applications were discussed, Powys Independents Cllr Jones – who has been the committee chairman since taking over the role last May – declared an interest and left the hot seat to step out of the council chamber at the meeting on Thursday, January 30.
This allowed councillors to discuss and decide both of his planning applications.
One was for a shed to store manure, and the second for a two storey extension at the side of his farmhouse at Rhiwhiriaeth Isaf, which is to the west of Llanfair Caereinion.
Ordinarily, the vice chairman, Conservative Cllr Adrian Jones would take over, but he had already sent his apologies and was absent from the meeting.
Councillors chose Conservative Cllr Jonathan Wilkinson to take over the chair for the two applications.
Cllr Wilkinson is also the current Powys County Council chairman.
The meeting had to break for 10 minutes to allow Cllr Wilkinson to be brought up to speed with the applications and how to deal with them.
On both application planning committee solicitor Rachel Mole said: “Given the nature of the applicant In line with the planning protocol, I have reviewed the planning files, and they have been reviewed correctly.”
Planning officer Natalie Hinds had recommended approving both applications.
On the manure storage application Plaid Cymru’s Cllr Elwyn Vaughan said: “This is straightforward, the key partners are happy with this proposal it is standard best practice these days to have covered manure storage.”
He proposed accepting the recommendation.
On the application for the extension, Liberal Democrat Cllr Claire Hall said she was happy to move the committee to a vote and approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.
Councillors unanimously approved both applications.
Cllr Wilkinson then handed back the chair to Cllr Jones to continue with the final couple of items on the agenda.