Plans to build 22 new homes in Llanidloes have been approved in theory by Powys councillors.

But, due to a “technical problem” with publishing the item in an agenda for the authority’s planning committee, the actual decision will be taken by planning officers along with planning committee chairman Cllr Karl Lewis and Cllr E Michael.

The problem is that the original agenda, for Thursday, 5 December’s meeting, published online on Thursday, 28 November, did not include the application for the 22 homes.

The link to take you to that application actually went to another planning application that was on the agenda.

This was rectified on Tuesday, 3 December, but agendas for meetings are required by law to be made public a minimum of three days before meetings.

Planning committee solicitor Colin Edwards said: “Due to a technical hitch this report hasn’t been published for the full three full days prior to a committee meeting which is normally required.

“Members will be aware that they received this report as a supplementary.

“What I’m suggesting and the decision that Holly Hobbs (Principal Planning Office) is recommending is to delegate the decision to officers as she’s waiting for Welsh Government to come back about the trunk road (A470).

“The implication is, if you are minded to approve then that is delegated to the principal officer in consultation with the chairman or vice-chairman.

“If any material considerations come in within the allotted period of publication, in effect three days, the application is referred back for further consideration.”

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