New homes site 'of archaeological interest’

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter

Archaeologists will be needed to keep an eye on excavations if a development in Welshpool is allowed to go ahead.

An application for Conservation Area Consent has been submitted to Powys County Councul by Andrew Gaunt who wants to knock down a workshop and building, known as Norfolk House, which is just off Mount Street, and build a terrace of three houses.

Mark Walters of statutory consultees, Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT), has responded as to the application and explained that it is a site of archaeological interest.

Mr Walters, said: “Information retained within the Regional Historic Environment Record indicates that the proposed new dwellings are located in the medieval historic core of Welshpool and overlie the former location of a terrace of 19th century houses.

“The ground clearance and foundation excavations for the new dwellings may reveal surviving archaeology relating to the medieval town layout and the remains of the 19th century terraced dwellings.”

Mr Walters recommends, that an archaeologist is present through the initial phase of ground preparation and excavation works – in case anything of interest is found and needs to be recorded.

Agent, Mike Lloyd of Berrys property, business and planning explained in a Design and Access Statement (DAS): “The applicant is seeking a viable alternative use for the site.

“Given the area of town in which the building is located it is considered evident that the most appropriate viable use for the site is residential.

“However, the existing building in the site is of limited architectural value, does not contribute positively to the character and appearance of its local environment and does not lend itself to residential conversion.”

He explains that the site is enclosed and is surrounded by homes, and believes that its current use and existing buildings “significantly detract” from the character and appearance of the area.

The DAS suggested that the development would have a “positive impact” on the character and appearance of the town’s conservation area.