Ceredigion councillors deferred two planning applications for further discussion at their first meeting of the year.

The council’s development control committee decided that two applications brought to its January meeting required further discussion before any decision was made on whether to approve or refuse planning permission.

Outline planning for a retirement bungalow on the site of Bayview Garage on the outskirts of Parcllyn had been recommended for refusal by planning officers but local member Cllr Gethin Davies wanted the committee to decide the application.

Councillors heard that the applicant was the owned and operated the garage, living above the premises, wished to “take a step back from the running of the garage due to his age” with a bungalow allowing to live on site to provide support.

Members were minded to support the application against officer recommendation.

Cllr Lyndon Lloyd proposed approving the plan, seconded by Cllr Meirion Davies.

It was deferred for a cooling off period to the task and finish group to examine.

Also recommended for refusal was a full planning application for the change of use of an agricultural field for the development of three camping pods and associated works for holiday let at Llys Meurig, Penrhyncoch.

Cllr Dai Mason, local member, had asked for the committee to decide the application and at the meeting on Wednesday (January 12) suggested further discussions could be had to find a way forward, which was agreed.

The committee approved deferring the matter to officers to delegate approval if a compromise about the number, location and screening of the pods was reached.