Spar Car Park Retail Development, Plan B!

 

Just two months ago, widespread opposition ended with Powys County Council turning down a proposal to turn the Spar Car Park into a retail park incorporating units to entice national high street names.

 

But following the flop of similar units yet to materialise on the Tesco site which were promised by Christmas, town councillors voiced residents’ and businesses’ concerns that this was a step too far.

 

However, not to be outdone, J Ross Developments has bounced back with a new proposal that has taken into consideration the concerns raised in the opposition to Plan A, including spaces for coach parking.

 

The company has approached the town council’s planning committee to ask for their input into what they would like to see on the site, but the council has said the decision should be made by residents and has called for a public consultation in the New Year.

 

“The Planning Committee recommended that such an important decision to the town be made by its residents so we will hold a Public Consultation,” said Town Clerk Robert Robinson. “Based on the response and feedback from this, the council can then form its response to the application.”

 

Meanwhile, Mr Robinson said that he believed work would begin on the Tesco units on January 7 but echoed the feelings of most of Welshpool when he added: “But I have heard all this before!”

 

Home Bargains has already seen its planning application approved but another of the stores eying Welshpool, Peacocks, has recently slipped into financial problems. Pets at Home is the third national retailer expected to take a unit.