IN a shock move ambitious plans for redevelopment of a disused army camp in the Brecon Beacons, which had been recommended for approval were refused this week.

Despite planners saying the plan should be given the go-ahead, members of the Brecon Beacons National Park decided against it.

Powys County Council was concerned about the sustainability of the development and there was a strong local opposition from businesses and residents.

A spokesperson for Crickhowell Estates said, "We are very disappointed with the decision by members of the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority despite the positive advice of planning officers who had recommended approval.

"On a positive note, we are pleased that a line of communication has new been opened with Powys County Council and we hope that a meeting will be held soon to review the differences over education contributions."

Crickhowell Estates wanted to transform the former MOD property at Cwrt y Gollen near Crickhowell into a mixed-use development comprising 200 new houses, 30,000 sq feet of employment space, a pre-school day nursery and residential care home.

In addition, the new development would have provided more than 16 hectares of open space and parkland set in mature woodland plus community facilities including an orchard, allotments and local play areas.

They put the plans together following a rigorous two-year period of public consultation and stakeholder involvement, culminating in the preparation of a Development Brief, which was fully approved by the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and had the backing of the Design Commission for Wales.

Among the recommendations by planners was acceptance of a community benefits package that included an improved site entrance, a £312,000 bus route contribution and and two new bus-stops.

Also planned was a new cycleway to Crickhowell, revamped community facilities including a new tennis club plus a substantial upgrade of the village Hall. Crickhowell Estates were also including 60 new affordable homes within the scheme and making a £280,000 contribution to Powys County Council budget for education facilities. 

It was estimated that the £50 million development could provide 158 full time equivalent jobs during the development phases and generate a further 126 indirect employment opportunities. 

Speaking before the decision a spokeswoman for Crickhowell Estates Ltd said the company had been encouraged by the recommendation of BBNPA officers to their planning committee to approve the outline application for a regeneration scheme at the former Cwrt-y-Gollen military site.

"The recommendation is entirely in accord with the National Park's planning policy and consistent with an earlier decision made in September 2008 to adopt Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) that spelled out appropriate land uses and development. 

A spokesperson for Powys County Council said, "The council's Board met last Friday (4 June) and discussed the proposed development at Cwrt Y Gollen, Crickhowell and it was decided to make further representations to express its concerns about the sustainability of the development to the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority."