Elgan Hearn

Powys councillors deferred a decision on a proposed meteorological mast near Brecon after newly elected councillor Colin Millichap requested more time to consult residents. The mast, sought by Garreg Fawr Energy Park Limited as part of a wider plan for future wind turbine development, drew objections focused on evidence quality and unresolved concerns from the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority. Despite planning officer recommendations for approval and no objections from statutory consultees, the committee voted to delay the decision for one month.

Councillors criticised the escalating costs of converting Trinity Chapel in Abertillery, a project initiated by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council that has risen from its initial estimates to more than £2 million across multiple redevelopment attempts. Officials cited unforeseen structural issues and funding complications, while councillors argued that demolition and rebuilding would have been cheaper. The council is now in discussions with the Coalfields Regeneration Trust on a potential community asset transfer, but additional Welsh Government funding is still needed to complete the project.