PLANS for a mini industrial estate that could boost the local economy in the south western tip of the county have been lodged with Powys council planners.
The application for by Mr and Mrs Evans is to set up 13 commercial storage and light industrial yard compounds which would help “small business development” at land off the former Haul road west of Brynygroes, in Ystradgynlais.
The scheme would also see compound security fencing, access gates for each of the units.
The site is near a development of 110 houses which are currently being built at Brynygroes.
Planning agent Richard Banks of Evans Banks Planning Limited explained the proposal in a planning statement.
Mr Banks said: “The site is capable of delivering 13 small / modest commercial plots suitable for low-level starter and small businesses in search of a small compound to store plant and machinery or to provide storage and distribution.
“The proposals would be seen as utilising the existing haul road for all access in very much the same manner as the former opencast site would have regularly required HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicles) access to and from that development.
“Multiple daily lorry movements to the opencast site were commonplace.”
Mr Banks explains that the applicants know that there is a demand in the area for these types of units.
He said: “The applicants have experienced such small business demand for modest storage and light industrial space at their facility at Woodlands Business Park at Ystradgynlais.
“A total of 210 storage containers have been placed on plots three and six at the business park, and the take-up and demand for that new storage facility has been overwhelming.”
“The applicants are of the firm opinion that a uniformly laid out series of small commercial compounds at the Haul Road site would provide for small business to have a modest base at Ystradgynlais to store vehicles, plant or other commercial equipment.”
Mr Banks adds that the applicants have already discussed the proposal with county planners last year and said that they “broadly support” the principle of such development.
Mr Banks said: “The development of the site will ensure a deliverable source of future employment land for the Ystradgynlais growth area in which it lies, which has seen an under supply of commercial opportunities prior to and since the adoption of the current LDP (Local Development Plan).
“The development of the site will help to redress this imbalance.”
A decision on the application is expected by July 31.
