A new £1m visitor centre for a Dyfi Valley nature reserve has been given the go-ahead and Powys County Council planners say it will help boost visitor numbers and the local economy.

The Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve, near Machynlleth, wants to build a new visitor centre in a £1.1m scheme which has won lottery funding and Welsh Government backing.

The Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust says it wanted the new facility to help boost the local community and offer support to community groups in the area.

The trust said the scheme at the reserve, which is home to the popular Dyfi Osprey Project, would be an improvement to facilities and would provide a better experience for visitors and volunteers.

In a report submitted as part of the application, the trust said: “From the outset we have set ourselves three overarching objectives: to build a centre based on community involvement and participation; from consultation and decision-making to the actual construction and operation, the community to have a stake at every stage; we also want to build a centre that does not in any way weaken or threaten similar buildings in the area that perform a similar function, and we want to build a centre that will strengthen other community buildings and groups in the area, making communities more engaged, connected and resilient.”

A planning officer said the scheme should be approved as it would be a boost to the area.

That report said: “The proposed development will complement the existing tourist development at Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve, without causing an unacceptable adverse harm to the enjoyment of the tourist attraction.

“The proposed development would be unlikely to have any unacceptable adverse effect on the social or cultural fabric of the area, and will positively enhance such elements by improving economic activity, visitor perception and through the associated Dyfi Osprey Project improve awareness of the Dyfi Valley area.

“The project is a very important regeneration cornerstone and will provide a central visitor attraction based on sustainability principles.”

The overall scheme is expected to cost £1.1m with work due to start in autumn and an estimated opening date of April next year.