Fears over retail plan

A group of councillors fear developers could pull out of a major retail and leisure development in Mid Wales because of a proposed one-way system.

Councillors have voted in favour of holding a public consultation on the planned road system in Welshpool.

But some fear the process could lead to developers pulling out of the town’s major new redevelopment project, which was given outline planning permission in January. The project involves building a supermarket and other shops, a filling station and canalside restaurant.

The scheme would work alongside the new town centre traffic system, including a one-way system for Broad Street and Union Street.

At a meeting of Powys County Council’s Montgomeryshire committee this week, Councillor Ann Holloway said people should be given a chance to comment on the one-way proposal.

“We need to give people a chance to have their say as I’m sure there will be some objections about it.” she said.

She said she was in favour of the Welshpool development, but had some reservations on parts the proposed one-way system.

Councillor Wynne Jones said he feared developers would pull out of the scheme.

He said: “We can’t drag our feet on this application, it’s already taken long enough to get to where we are now and if we’re not careful the developers could eventually pull out.”

Councillor Graham Brown said he had serious concerns over the proposed one-way system.

He said: “I think the proposed system will cause a lot of chaos and confusion in the town and wondered if a better scheme had at all been looked into.”

A spokesman for J Ross Development said the process had been “wearing” but they were continuing to remain positive.

He said: “We continue to have a number of matters of red tape to address and are working hard with the relevant authorities to conclude these.

“However, we remain excited by the project and look forward to being able to deliver new retail to Welshpool in the very near future.”

A spokesman for Powys County Council said a consultation period would now begin.