Maesydre "listed" - but compromise agreed

A compromise has been found over the “listing of the Ysgol Maesydre building which was threatening the development of a new Welsh language school in Welshpool.

The 11^th hour application for listing had threatened to put the £14million scheme for English and Welsh language schools into jeopardy but today’s news means both schemes will go ahead as planned.

CADW, the Welsh Government’s historic building and environment service, have been consulting on an application to give the Maesydre Grade II listed status since before Christmas and has now announced their decision to grant listing.

A Cadw spokesperson said: “Having considered all available information, Ysgol Maesydre has today been listed for its special architectural and historic interest.

“We fully appreciate the need for a new school in the area and have been in touch with colleagues from the Welsh Government’s education directorate, who have confirmed that funding available under the flagship 21^st Century Schools and Education investment programme can be used for either new school buildings or for upgrading existing buildings.

“We would be very pleased to work with the council and to provide pre-application advice on any proposed changes to the school.”

A spokesman for Powys County Council, said: "Cadw accepted the council’s view that the listing is confined to the original building and does not include 1955 additions.

"Working with Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng, it has been agreed that revised plans will focus on building a new 21st Century school building towards the back of the listed building, and restoring the main building

"Specialist architects will be appointed to the project to combine both elements and create a real ‘wow factor’ for the new school.

"Although the listing has caused real disappointment within the community, the council will now look forward to restoring the building to its former glory and ensuring that all primary aged pupils in the town are taught in equitable school accommodation."

Welshpool Church in Wales Primary school, will move to a new school facility on Salop Road in September 2019 taking in pupils from Ysgol Maesydre, Oldford and Gungrog Road. Pupils from Ardwyn will move to Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng on the Maesydre site.

The news that a compromise had been found was welcomed by Welshpool County Councillor Graham Breeze, who had voiced strong objections to the original listing proposals.

“This is the best possible resolution and the compromise will be welcomed by all those interested in this project,” he said.

“Powys County Council officers have been working closely with CADW ever since the application for listing was made and we now have a very exciting design on the table which sees the listed part of the school maintained within the framework of the new school.

“This ensures that the education of our children is not affected and that the people of the Welshpool area will benefit from everything that a modern school of this type offers.

“The development of both the English and Welsh language schools can now go ahead as planned.”