Welshpool is set to get a lot bigger, and mywelshpool can reveal just where hundreds of new homes will probably be built over the next decade.
And the locations will surprise many. Two of the areas are on untouched patches of green land and a smaller third is opposite the Powysland Museum in the town centre.
The areas have been exposed after Welshpool was asked by Powys County Council to identify land suitable for the development of 600 homes. Some observers believe that number could rise to 1,000.
So where are they going?
Proposed Plot One: Red Bank (left)
Red Bank has long been expected to expand over the hill towards Guilsfield but the plan of exactly where will surprise many. Due to restrictions forbidding the skyline to be altered on top of the hill, it now looks like a massive patch of land on the road down from its peak will be urbanised instead. The plan proposes development on both sides of the country lane that is just off the main Red Bank road.
Proposed Plot Two: Berriew Road (right)
The road to Coed y Dinas is used by thousands every day with the current urban reach ending just after Morrisons. But we can reveal that a good chunk of the rest of the roadside could be built on. In fact, it appears that a 1km long stretch running behind the canal could be turned into dwellings.
Proposed Plot Three: Opposite Powysland Museum (left)
Since Jones & Co went out of business last year, the buildings across the canal from the Powysland Museum have lay derelict and it has not gone unnoticed. A short stretch of land from the main road and down to across the canal from Morrisons has been included in the Land Development Plan (LDP).
There are other patches also earmarked for primary development, notably a large field to the town’s north, while sizable parts of the town have also been pencilled in for secondary development projects if required.
A planning insider told us that land owners have been consulted and added: “Under the plan, a large area of land around the Flash will be considered as a ‘country park’. It has been difficult to propose land for Powys County Council because of the flood plains and other restrictions. These plans are currently up for public discussion and every comment will be recorded and taken into consideration.”
You can have your say by viewing Welshpool’s LDP proposal to Powys in the Market Hall located in Welshpool Town Hall until Thursday. Comments can be sent to Welshpool Town Council after this date until the final plan is submitted to Powys on May 11.
MAIN Picture: The future of Welshpool: Orange is the town centre; Green are areas to be left untouched; Pink is available for development