No plans for houses on Newtown allotment site say council

The claims were made by a campaign launched in Newtown, called Save Newtown Allotments, which has now started a petition after rumours of a development of 20 houses had circulated.

The land was donated to the town by Pryce Jones in 1919 for future generations to grow their own produce.

Locals have now reacted to speculation the land could be earmarked for development.

A statement on behalf of the campaign said: "Currently we have 52 allotment holders whom will all be affected by this housing development plan, along with many nearby residential home owners.

"Not only will our local community be affected, but so will our green spaces. We must do all that we can to protect them.

"What right do Powys County Council have to sell community land.

"Your support in signing our petition will help us save land that has been cultivated by the hands of our allotment holders for nearly 100 years."

Powys County Council has admitted it is interested in obtaining the site.

Currently the transferring of the site into the housing service is ongoing, but portfolio holder for housing councillor Jonathan Wilkinson said no plans have been drawn up for a housing development.

He said: "Following the allotment site being declared surplus by the council’s leisure and recreation service in 2016, our housing service declared an interest in obtaining the site. The process of transferring the site into the housing service is still ongoing.

“I can confirm that no proposed plans have been drawn up at this stage as a substantial number of sites throughout Powys are currently being assessed by our affordable housing team.

“Should the site be used to provide much needed affordable housing in the town, the housing service would provide an alternative site for the provision of allotments with facilities that match those currently provided at the existing site.

"The housing service is currently investigating whether there are any grounds that will preclude the development of homes on the site and if this is the case it will not pursue the transfer of the site.

“Finally, should the sousing service choose to utilise the site for the provision of new homes sometime in the future, it will need to apply for planning consent.

"As is the case with all planning applications, anyone affected by any proposed development will have the chance to comment as part of the planning process.

"However, in such circumstances the housing service will engage with the allotment holders prior to the planning application to seek their views.”