OBJECTORS to a housing scheme in a historic border town say that the 'green the light has been given to holiday homes' after the approval for 80 more properties.

Former councillor Dawn Lewis has fought developers over the Hay-on-Wye housing scheme, opposite The Meadows for three years.

She says that despite her fears about flooding on the site and the lack of road infrastructure she has been ignored.

Brecon Beacons National Park planning authority approved the development at a meeting on Tuesday.

"I feel deflated and very disappointed that the planning authority didn't listen to all the objectors concerns, said Mrs Lewis.

"I think they were always going to be built as they were part of the local development plan. They've got no plans to improve the narrow road leading to the site so there is always going to be problems.

"I wasn't so naive to think the 38 objectors would change the plans but I hoped somebody would listen to us.

"I think they've given the green light to more holiday homes in Hay."

The plans approved for the field opposite The Meadows will consist of 80 homes of which 12 will be affordable and 12 intermediate.

Building company Persimmon Homes has pledged to give Powys County Council £81,500 to provide a new classroom to cater for the additional pupils which will be built as part of the new primary school planned for the town.

They have also proposed a flood alleviation scheme for the site.

"We will have to see if the affordable homes are delivered but I have my doubts," added Mrs Lewis.

"The build has been approved to satisfy central government who have targeted local authorities to deliver these homes and they don't care where they put them.

"We will also have to see how effective the flood defences will be."