PLANS have been submitted to upgrade and update flats for older people in Ystradgynlais

Pobl Group (People in Welsh), are behind the proposal to change the use of the Pont Aur from C3 – sheltered accommodation to C2 extra care apartments.

The group propose to refurbish the existing building and also build an extension to provide 10 more apartments, as well as landscaping and associated works.

This would bring the total at Pont Aur up to 41 apartments.

Agents,  Asbri Planning Limited explained the proposal in a planning statement: “The change of use and upgrading works to the existing Pont Aur sheltered housing scheme comprises  eight two-bedroom  apartments, and 23 one-bedroom, apartments.

“The proposed extension comprises of four two-bedroom apartments, and six one-bedroom apartments."

Asbri explain that for the main building that this is a reduction from the current 33 apartment.

They say this is because “many of which are now too small for modern space standards.”

The proposals also include changes to car parking going up from the current 21 spaces to 24.

Asbri added: “The proposal provides for 24 car parking spaces which includes three disabled spaces.”

They say the car par is not full at the moment because of the good public transport links in the area: “as well as the fact that car ownership amongst the residents is low.”

The proposal, which is similar to the conversion of Welshpool’s Neuadd Maldwyn is part of an overall plan by Powys County Council (PCC) to provide three Extra Care schemes worth over £13 million throughout Powys.

The Pont Aur and Neuadd Maldwyn developments would be joined in theory by a 50 room facility in Brecon, when an appropriate site for it is found in the town.

This strategy was approved by the cabinet in May 2019.

Extra Care housing offers more than the traditional sheltered accommodation and yet is not fully residential care and is now considered vital by PCC.