A PROPOSAL to move a footpath in Llandrindod Wells has been approved.

At the Planning, Taxi Licensing and Rights of Way Committee, councillors were told that footpath known as CF22, on land east of Ithon Road needs to be moved because a housing estate is due to be built on it.

Back in March, plans for 55 affordable homes were approved by the planning committee.

Registration and definitive maps officer, Claire Lewis, said: “The diversion application was made on February 21, the applicant is JG Hale construction limited and the diversion application is being considered under section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act.

“Footpath CF22 is affected by a development that has been granted planning permission for a residential development comprising of 55 units on land east of Ithon Road.”

Ms Lewis added that CF22 is a  “cul de sac” footpath in that it does not connect to any other public right of way or highway at the eastern end.

“The proposed creation of footpath CF22a would be progressed under a separate agreement and would connect to CF22 at the eastern end

“This would facilitate pedestrian movement to and from the development without having to walk the busy Ithon road.

“If it is submitted to the planning inspectorate the inspector could consider wider issues included as the suitability of the proposed agreement.

“However they will not reopen the matter of the planning agreement.

“The other affected landowners have given limited consent to the proposal.

Ms Lewis added that objection had been received from Peter Newman, of the Open Spaces Society, and DwrCymru/Welsh Water who have apparatus in the vicinity.

The construction of the new right of way would be built with Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water’s apparatus in mind.

Ms Lewis, said: “The diversion is seen as primarily in the interest of the applicant as it would allow them to implement the planning permission that’s been granted.”

The report recommended that;

an order is made to divert footpath CF22.

if the order is opposed it is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for a decision.

The committee could take a neutral stance and the order is sent to the Planning Inspectorate for a decision.

Cllr Elwyn Vaughan (Plaid Cymru – Glantwymyn) moved to approve the recommendations

Cllr Hywel Lewis, (Independent – Llangunllo), said: “It’s common sense, the footpath goes nowhere, it cannot be connected.”

“This provides an access.”

Cllr Lewis seconded the proposals which was voted through unanimously.