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Powys council has weeks to decide on gypsy site revamp
Tuesday 7th September 2010, 10:22AM BST.
Planning chiefs in Powys have just weeks to make a decision on plans to transform a Mid Wales gipsy site or it could lose up to £1 million of funding.
Powys County Council intends to spend £1.3 million transforming the Withy Beds in Welshpool, which has been an official travellers’ site since 1982, after it was found to be infested by vermin and unsafe for children.
But officials today revealed it could lose out on £970,696 granted from the Welsh Assembly if a planning decision is delayed beyond September 21.
Project director Dafydd Evans said: “The planning period and decision making process continues to be of major concern as it impact on the viability and commencement of the redevelopment at the Withy Beds.
“Spending of the Welsh Assembly grant funding may become unachievable if the decision is delayed beyond September 21.”
He said the council was expected to meet certain deadlines but added plans would go before the planning committee in Welshpool on September 21.
The plans have already sparked anger among some Welshpool residents, who claim the cash could be better used elsewhere.
The Welsh Assembly said it would spend £970,696 to improve the site and the county council, which owns it, will fund the rest.
Council chiefs said its side of the money would be found through rent increases at the gipsy site.
Problems at the site came to light after the council carried out a feasibility study and report for the redevelopment of it last year.
Among problems identified by the report were health risks from a stagnant pond, vermin infestation and littered areas It also found there was a lack of fire-fighting equipment.
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