Councillors from the south of Ceredigion are voting through plans which “impact areas they know nothing about”, an angry Penparcau member has said after a social housing development in the village was approved.

Planning permission was granted for 14 homes on the site of the former Tollgate pub on Piercefield Lane by Ceredigion County Council’s development control committee last week.

Six flats, two bungalows and six houses will be now built by Wales and West Housing Association on the site despite numerous objections from nearby residents and local councillors.

Residents of Piercefield Lane objected to the plans, with representative Prof Michel Hall telling the committee there were concerns about the flats having a “marked visual impact”.

“We are not opposed to a scheme, this scheme or any similar scheme - the former Tollgate pub has been an eyesore for some time,” Prof Hall told the committee.

“A suitable, sustainable development, including affordable housing would be welcomed by us.”

However, residents felt a “more modest proposal would be more suitable” with bungalows replacing the flats.

Cllr Lloyd Edwards, who objected to the scheme, said that he was “annoyed”, “disappointed” and “upset” by the decision.

“As usual the councillors in the south of the county [on the committee] have made a decision not knowing the impact it would have on residents in the area,” he told the Cambrian News.

Speaking at the meeting on behalf of architects DartonB3, Iwan Thomas said the development would “improve the aesthetic” of the area and would allow people to live in their local community.

Cllr Dafydd Edwards said the type of housing needed for Penparcau had been looked at closely and formed part of the Local Development Plan.

He told the committee that the flats looked like two-storey houses with a downstairs flat suitable for use for disabled residents.

Councillors voted to approve the plans by nine votes to seven, with six abstentions.

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