Proposal to demolish old Powys bakery stopped again
Despite re-submitting plans to demolish a former bakery on Maengwyn Street, in Machynlleth, after they were refused or withdrawn twice before, another planning application has been refused once again by the council.
The plans propose demolishing the building formerly used as a bakery, which is currently used for storage and warehousing, to make way for three two-bedroom houses.
The planning statement, prepared by Hafod Planning Consultants on behalf of Anthony Roberts, says: 'Overall, it is clear that the proposal is a modest change that would allow the development of a family home but also provide additional landscaping and infrastructure improvements.
"The proposal would have a positive impact upon the provision of low-cost housing in the locality and a positive use of this dilapidated and dangerous building.
'It would continue to complement the area, which is a mix of residential, and commercial properties in a wholly sustainable location. It would have a positive impact on the character of the surrounding townscape and would not be harmful to the amenities of nearby residents.'
Plans for the project were submitted twice previously. Firstly, in 2023 only to be withdrawn in January 2024. Plans to demolish the building were then resubmitted in March, but planning permission was refused by Powys County Council in September.
With a third planning application being submitted in June 2025, the council decided to refuse the proposal on August 6.
In the delegated report, the council's Built Heritage Officer said: 'I cannot support the proposed demolition.
'The property has much historic stone walling and is built to fit within a burgage plot.
'Whilst the bakery installation has meant some significant adaptation, externally a great deal of historic stone wall is visible and its loss would impact the character of the conservation area.'
The report also included a section by the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust, which added: 'Information retained within the Regional Historic Environment Record indicates the buildings known as the 'Arvonia Bakery' are believed to be an 18th or 19th century row of cottages which lie within the Medieval core of Machynlleth.
'These sites often contain sub-surface archaeology, including former extensions, rubbish pits, former plot boundary ditches, garden features and artefacts from other periods.
'The buildings themselves are of at least a local and vernacular interest and in this case, we would advise that a Level 3 Historic Building Survey is conducted.'
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