THE CONVERSION of a derelict Second World War generator building that was used to supply the power for decoy lighting on the nearby Pen-y-Lan ridge, sparked a heated debate among Monmouthshire planners.

It was eventually approved by just one vote.

At last week's planning committee meeting, members were being asked to allow the remains of the building at Clawdd-y-Parc in Llangybi to be converted into a one-bedroomed holiday cottage.

Councillor John Love, chairman of Llangybi Community Council told members, "We've made several representations over this and we feel it will not benefit the walkers amongst us. It's the consensus of opinion of this council that it's a new building in the open countryside as it's too derelict for reinstatement.

"Had it not been for its wartime history, it would not even be considered for planning purposes."

Adam Humphreys, the owner of the building said, "We have researched this and other local wartime structures in the area and found them to be exciting.

"We've been told many stories about the part the decoy lighting played locally during the war and feel that the generator building should be preserved.

"And by making a small alteration, the lowering of the floor, it will enable the building to meet 21st century building regulations, with its character above ground being maintained as it was in 1941.

"So few of these structures are left and historically we can't really afford to let them go."

Councillor Roger Harris said, "It was fascinating to see this site for myself having seen a television documentary on them recently.

"It's remarkable that this site is still there and if we don't approve this application I am sure in ten years' time it will have deteriorated back to nature.

"However I would want to see that the photographic records are preserved and if possible used in an information booklet."

Councillor Douglas Edwards added, "Looking at the photographs it seems that the Luftwaffe did bomb the site. However I congratulate the young man for having enough spirit to attempt a project of this nature.

"I am of a generation which lived through the war and its story needs to be retold in the future."

But the condition of the structure worried a number of councillors.

Councillor David Dovey pointed out, "What concerns me is that the building has almost gone and I am not sure we are having this discussion for the right reasons.

"We would not generally give permission for anybody else to build in the open countryside. I also envisage that the Green Lane could be subject to a lot of traffic."

Chairman of the committee Councillor Ruth Edwards said that it was too late to save the building and added, "It's too derelict for it to be restored for somebody to stay in it.

"I ask the question why has it been left so long before any attempt has been made to restore it? This building needs so much work carried out on it that little of the original structure will remain and therefore it will make it a new building in the countryside."

Councillor James George agreed and added, "Without the building's historical references, we would not normally allow this type of development."

Councillor Giles Howard concluded, "I find that this is one of the tougher applications we have got to make a decision on. It crosses the line between restoration and renovation towards a new build, as there is little of the original structure to work with. This will effectively be a copy."

Councillor Roger Harris said that it was up to members of a forward thinking planning authority to see it to preserved. "Even in its current state it's still worth the effort and think of its wider long term consequences in preserving a historical story than just the mere application that is before us," Councillor Harris added.

Councillor Peter Clarke said, "I want to encourage initiatives like this, especially from the younger generation. However if we allow this it might come back to haunt us."

The application was approved by seven votes to six. Community Councillor Love warned members as he left the meeting: "This is a big mistake. It will come back to haunt you."