Planning jobs in Powys

About the area

Planning in Powys

Powys is the largest county in Wales by area and one of the most sparsely populated, covering much of mid Wales from the Dyfi to the Brecon Beacons and the border with England. Its towns include Newtown, Welshpool, Llandrindod Wells, Brecon, Builth Wells, Machynlleth, Ystradgynlais, Llanidloes, Knighton and Rhayader. Powys County Council is the planning authority for most of the county, while Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority plans for the south, including Brecon and Hay-on-Wye.

Farming is central to the economy, and intensive poultry units in the Wye and Severn catchments have made river pollution and phosphates a major planning issue, affecting both agricultural and housing development. Wind farms, solar and the electricity grid connections they need generate large and often contentious proposals. Market towns need homes, shops and services to stay viable, and the Royal Welsh Showground at Builth Wells adds an events dimension. Planners in Powys handle long distances, rural casework and big environmental questions, working within Future Wales, Planning Policy Wales and the council's Local Development Plan.