Former social club housing development too big for site insists councillor

The once thriving Welshpool Social Club, which opened in the 1960s and ran for almost 50 years off Brook Street, has been acquired by Mid Wales Properties Ltd on behalf of Mid Wales Housing Association.

They are proposing to demolish the building and turn it into 19 dwellings, including 15 two bedroom apartments and four one bedroom apartments.

However, the plans have been met with considerable concern from residents living near the site.

County councillor Graham Breeze has been contacted by a host of residents and he believes the project is too big for the site.

He said: "We know there is a need for this type of housing but it is simply too big for the site.

"The is an adjacent bungalow which I have visited and their window will be blocked by a 40 foot high wall that is part of the application.

"Residents are very concerned about this and a host of other issues to do with the application."

The social club closed in 2016 after years of financial uncertainty.

It went up for auction after a buyer couldn't be found, and now after plans we drawn up for apartments, a pre-planning consultation has begun prior to a full planning application being made to Powys County Council next month.

Earlier this week Steve Bowen, of Mid Wales Properties Ltd, said: "The plans will bring much needed rented accommodation into the town, utilising what is a redundant brownfield site close to the town centre.

“The development has been carefully designed by local architects who know the area and local community to ensure it fits in with the local environment and existing neighbouring properties.”

Councillor Breeze said residents will have a chance to have their say when the town council discuss the matter on September 6.

He added: "Access is another sticking point. There are just 15 car parking spaces for 19 homes which will obviously cause problems.

"The access from both ends of the site is a safety issue and cause for concern.

"I urge these residents to go along to the meeting and have their say."

Earlier this year Montgomeryshire Youth Theatre, which was looking for a new home, launched an ambitious crowd funding appeal to bid to by the club and retain it as a community venue.

Anyone wishing to comment on the current plans can email enquiries@hughesarchitects.co.uk or write to Hughes Architects, 29 Broad Street, Newtown, Powys, SY16 2BQ by September 13.