CEREDIGION County Council has been given permission by its planning committee to build two houses on green land in Penparcau despite the opposition of neighbours.

The council applied for outline permission for a pair of semi-detached three-bedroom homes on a small parcel of land containing trees and two garages it owns on Fifth Avenue.

The application was approved by members of the development control committee on Wednesday.

Nearby residents complained to the council with concerns over the removal of mature trees from the site; the detrimental impact to the area of the development; and a lack of parking.

Local councillor Lorrae Jones-Southgate, calling for a site visit before a decision is reached, told members: “I have spoken to residents of Fifth Avenue and they have strong objections and concerns. I welcome developments, in Penparcau but neighbours living opposite this site say it would be an invasion of privacy and are concerned about losing the trees on site.”

Committee member Cllr Peter Evans said: “As far as I can see we are improving the area around there with this scheme.”

Cllr Rowland Jones, who built the concrete pad and garages on the site in 1955, said there were “no concerns” about the development.

A report into the development said: “It is the opinion that the development will not have any detrimental impact on the amenities/privacy of any neighbouring properties."

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online on Wednesday