New plan for Social Club site

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again… and that’s exactly what a property developer is doing in Welshpool.

Following initial opposition, a housing scheme that could bring much needed affordable residential accommodation into the centre of Welshpool has been revised as part of a pre-planning consultation.

Mid Wales Properties Ltd is planning to build apartments on the site of the former Welshpool Social Club, off Brook Street in the town, on behalf of Mid Wales Housing Association. It has been designed by Hughes Architects, which has building design and planning offices in the town.

The development will incorporate 17 dwellings, including seven two-bedroom apartments, seven one-bedroom apartments and three two-bedroom wheelchair accessible apartments.

It has been allocated a substantial grant by the Welsh Government as part of its Innovative Housing Programme. This is due to the scheme’s energy efficient design and construction method, with the intention of more than halving its residents’ heating and electricity bills.

Steve Bowen of Mid Wales Properties Ltd, said: “The whole point of the pre-planning consultation is to take into account the views of local residents and others prior to a full planning application being made.

“We understand, as with any planning application, there will be some concern. We have taken on board the comments from the consultation and, working with Hughes Architects, we have revised the design.”

Mr Alex Dawson, Senior Development Officer at Mid Wales Housing, said: “This is an important development, bringing what is a redundant and disused building and plot back into use.

“It is the first such housing scheme in the town centre for many years, ensuring good access to shops, amenities and transport for residents, whilst also providing truly energy efficient accommodation.”

The development is being constructed on behalf of Mid Wales Housing Association for rent to local people.

Both Mid Wales Properties Ltd and Mid Wales Housing Association have policies of using local suppliers and contractors where possible in all of its developments.

Hughes Architects have revised the designs and plans following the public consultation that has included two public meetings by Welshpool Town Council.

The new plans will be put forward to Powys County Council’s planning committee along with comments and submissions from the pre-planning consultation.

PICTURE: How it would look... the new proposal for the Social Club site.