Shropshire Star

Cautious feedback on Mid Wales housing plans

Powys residents have given a cautious welcome to housing allocation plans drawn up to cover the next 15 years.

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A consultation was held at Welshpool Town Hall for residents to get their first look at the Local Development Plan.

While the plans were being created residents had the chance to give their input into which areas should be considered, and most seemed pleased with the choices made in the documents on display.

Primrose Jones, chairwoman of Llandrinio and Arddleen Community Council, said she recognised that the development was needed, but felt more thought needed to go into some of the sites.

She said: "Some of them are good and some aren't. If they're going to build on the school that's absolutely ridiculous but they've also not left any room for car parking in Arddleen, and that's got to be addressed. I understand they need more houses and I agree with a lot of the planning, but it's ridiculous to do it on a school. We've got a good school but no parking."

There are 20 houses proposed for the village on land west of Trederwen House.

Roger Brooks, from Leighton, visited the consultation to see what is being planned for his village.

But he was disappointed to find the plans were not yet available as it is classed as a "small village" and only the towns and large villages have been prepared so far.

"I'm disappointed we can't find out more about Leighton, but I've been looking at the proposals for Welshpool and I think they're fine," he said.

"I think the developments in Welshpool will be good for the town and it's good to see it growing.

"We had the chance to talk about certain development proposals for Leighton at an early stage of the planning but they haven't appeared in the plan yet."

While many of the plans attracted positive comments, some people claimed they were too confusing to understand exactly what is being proposed.

Geraint Lloyd, 79, from Llansantffraid ym Mechain, said: "They're really not clear. They're showing where the mineral deposits are and the entire area is shaded out with that. The planners might need to know that, but we don't – we just want to see where the houses are going to go. "

  • Comments on the plans can be given by searching for "local development plan" at www.powys.gov.uk

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