Plans have been submitted to expand a growing agricultural repair business in Powys.

An application has been made to convert agricultural buildings at Plas Gwyn Bungalow in Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain to a workshop for parts, repairs and vehicles for Callum Hughes Machinery.

In a planning application made by Roger Parry on behalf of Mr Hughes it said: “The use of the buildings is for the storage of agricultural machinery and products along with a workshop to be utilised for the maintenance and repairs of agricultural machinery in association with Callum Hughes Machinery (CHM).

“Plas Gwyn Bungalow Farm has been a family farm since the 1980s and whilst Callum has enjoyed having the chance to run the family enterprise, he has realised due to the unpredictability of the cattle market and the farming industry in general the farm must diversify in order to survive."

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The business has been growing since it was founded in 2020 and Mr Hughes is now looking to expand the operation from the current rented site they have eight miles away.

The application continued: "The business started with Callum buying and selling new and used agricultural machinery, as this went from strength to strength Callum began to be approached by several new manufacturers to sell their products/machines and equipment

"Along side the selling of agricultural machinery Callum noticed a demand in the area for agriculturally specific mechanical work, this involves the repair and maintenance both on and off site and agricultural machinery.

“CHM currently employ 4 full time members of staff and 4 self employed skilled workers that work regularly with the team at CHM. As part of CHM’s business plan, they are looking to expand their skilled team by two employees in the future.

“Locating CHM fully at Plas Gwyn Bungalow would provide an opportunity for business growth as it would offer a larger premises which their current rented premises fails to do.

“It is essential that the premises of the business is based at Plas Gwyn Bungalow which offers large parking and turning areas along with large empty buildings that will allow the machinery to be serviced under cover.

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In the application they argue this move is necessary due to concerns related to flooding and capacity - “The existing rented premises is currently at capacity with no room to manoeuvre, this causes health and safety concerns for both staff and customers.

“There are huge risks over the safety of the equipment located on the yard as it is essential the premium products do not suffer flood damage.

“There is also an issue over the operating of the business, last year CHM were forced to close for over 40 days due to the flood water and the site becoming in accessible.”