A proposal for an events hub that split opinion amongst villagers near Brecon has received the green light from Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority's Planning committee members.
Keri and Julie Davies' application to construct "Ysgubor Newydd Centre" came before the national park Planning committee on Tuesday, July 15.
The scheme for an amenity building serving guests at Crai Valley Eco Lodges holiday accommodation was lodged with national park planners five years ago. The structure would offer meeting and conference facilities for events.
Related works encompass 38 car parking spaces and the fitting of a private foul drainage system.
Planning officer Lisa Hughes informed committee members that the authority had received 31 objections, as well as nine letters backing the project.
She advised that members should delegate authority to the director of planning (Gareth Jones) to approve the application subject to several conditions.
Peter Burrow, chairman of the Crai Parish Hall management committee, voiced his opposition to the scheme. He said: "The hall was built 90 years ago and is in the heart of the community.
"The developers emphasise how they have supported the hall over the years providing bookings for large holiday groups, educational events and farming connect, these be transferred to the new development contrary to their claim that the hall will lose no bookings.
"Our survival depends on our income hence our concern about losing any events to Ysgubor Newydd."
Cllr Graeme Robson, chairman of Crai community council, said: "This has been the most divisive planning application in the community."
He expressed his belief that the noise from the building would travel down the valley and affect residents.
Cllr Robson added: "It is a lovely proposal with a nice design but in the entirely wrong place and would further detriment the national park while offering no tangible benefits to the majority of residents or visitors."
He emphasised that the community council was against the application.
Heidi Davies, the applicant's elder sister, argued that the development would allow family members to stay in the area rather than being forced to relocate.
Ms Davies explained: "Crai Valley Eco Lodges was built in 2011 where guests come to enjoy the views, the red kites and dark skies.
"Ysgubor Newydd is the next step in securing a future for me and my brother.
"Our proposal will help us remain competitive in a growing tourism market and support the wider farming business."
Ms Davies added: "We acknowledged the concerns about Crai hall, we see our proposal as complimentary and not competitive."
Planning committee chairman (Welsh Government appointed member) Steve Rayner felt the discussion should centre on whether the conditions suggested by planning officers for the scheme are "sufficient and adequate" to tackle the concerns raised by objectors.
Cllr Huw Williams (Powys) described the site visit as "informative." Committee member (WG appointee) Julian Steadman, after examining the site, felt the building would "fit into the landscape satisfactorily."
Mr Steadman added: "I'm most concerned about the noise.
"Cars leaving the premises at 11pm is a major noise issue."
Ms Hughes said a condition on this states that the development shall not operate outside the hours of 8am to 11pm.
"That's the whole development not just the building," said Ms Hughes.
Cllr Peter Baldwin (Blaenau Gwent) proposed the committee back officer recommendations and the meeting moved to a vote which was seconded by (WG appointee) Professor Jon Hunt. Members unanimously backed the recommendations put forth by officers.
