Merchant House planning approved

In a positive decision for the development of the high street, Powys County Council has granted planning permission to transform Merchant House into a set of four susintable flats on the first and second floors.

Earlier this year, Stephen Bowen of Bowen Properties Limited lodged a planning application with Powys County Council to change the use of the first and second floor of Merchant House on Newtown High Street from offices into four one-bedroom flats.

The proposal also includes installing PV (photovoltaic) solar panels to be installed on the southwest roof slope.

The ground floor of the building would continue to provide shop space.

As per the planning authority's conditions, the solar panels will be seamlessly integrated into the roof slates, ensuring they do not protrude above the roof slope. Additionally, various measures will be implemented to safeguard local wildlife.

Powys County Council reported that no public representations or objections were received following the display of a site notice on May 24, 2023.

Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council have discussed the plans and said they support the application.