Controversial plans to partially demolish a former trading site for a multi-property development in Machynlleth are to go ahead.

The development will see two of the buildings on the former Travis Perkins site, located in the Machynlleth Conservation Area on Heol y Ddôl, as well as a boundary wall between the two buildings demolished to make way for 20 new homes.

County councillor Michael Williams praised the plans, saying the town is in “desperate need of extra housing”.

While initially full demolition was sought, developers H&N Developments (Powys) Limited later decided to only demolish two buildings and the boundary wall after speaking with the Powys County Council built heritage officer.

The built heritage officer said, in 2018, the buildings on site “contribute to the character and appearance of the Machynlleth Conservation Area and the presumption is in favour of retaining buildings, which make a positive contribution to the character or appearance of a conservation area”.

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments added that the demolition of the site would be a “matter of regret and against the spirit of the relevant legislation which seeks to protect the character of the conservation area”.

However, in August 2019, the built heritage officer said the amended plans, “which now reuses the buildings within the redevelopment of the site”, are satisfactory.

The officer’s report states: “The built heritage officer notes the works proposed and whilst acknowledging the element of demolition required, on balance when considering that the scheme will see an abandoned site being re-used has no objection to the proposed development and would not consider that the works would harm nor detract from the Conservation Area.”

But the Royal Commission told the Cambrian News their opinion on the plans “remains unchanged”.

Cllr Williams said: “I’ve always fully supported the application and I am now really pleased that the planners have approved this particular application which is in conjunction with an application for a housing development.

“I am very pleased that the application has been approved because Machynlleth is in desperate need of extra housing.”

“There’s a long waiting list for council houses and there isn’t enough private housing,” he added.