Welshpool shopping development plans dealt a blow

Plans for a multi-million pound shopping development in Welshpool have been dealt a blow after town councillors recommended they should be refused. The proposals are for three shops and a cafe.

A final decision on the plans, submitted by Oswestry-based J Ross Development, will now be made by Powys County Council.

Councillors have already expressed fears that anticipated plans for a bus station as part of the development had not been included in the proposals.

Members also expressed their fears over the potential loss of parking spaces on the car park.

A meeting last night, which was also attended by up to a dozen members of the public, voiced their concerns over the proposed development.

Welshpool town clerk Robert Robinson said the development would mean the current number of spaces being reduced from 300 to 118.

Mr Robinson said the town council felt there should not be any new major developments unless there were overriding reasons and benefits.

Councillor Ann Holloway said she believed the proposed new development would completely destroy the town.

"I honestly believe the development would be the death of this town as we know it," she said.

Town councillors raised concerns about reduced parking provision, loss of space for coach parking, and how they believed it would reduce the footfall into the town centre.