Guilsfield plan to be re-submitted

The owner of a proposed Guilsfield housing development says plans will be re-submitted on the site of the former Fairview Garage.

And he has voiced disappointment at comments from Guilsfield Community Council saying he would be happy to open discussions.

Nick Bradley told MyWelshpool that plans had been withdrawn to deal with issues surrounding underground fuel tanks.

“We have had to withdraw our application due to the site being an old petrol station and further investigation being required.

We are disappointed in the comments made by the Community Council given that they have had no dialogue with our company and we would welcome any viable commercial suggestions.”

Guilsfield Community Council had objected to the plans believing that the site should remain for commercial use but the developers say such a development is not viable.

“Back in 2015 our family run company purchased Fairview Garage as we wanted to develop the site into a new convenience store, with parking,” said Mr Bradley

“At that time the current Spar store was up for sale.  We took advice and were encouraged to purchase the existing store to see how much turnover could be created and how much the villagers supported the local village shop.

“Unfortunately since purchasing the existing store we have been unable to turn the store into profit. Currently we are having to reduce costs and have reviewed our opening hours. A small business can not operate long term at a loss.

“We have now put our Costcutter store up for sale. This is a decision that we have not taken lightly and are disappointed that we have failed to turn this business into profit. We believe an owner who would work within the store is the way forward.

“Obviously as a company we are glad that we did not invest in developing Fairview Garage into a convenience store. We have taken advice and we were encouraged housing is desperately required in the village and surrounding area.

“Hence why we began the process to gain outline planning approval. We have had to withdraw our application due to the site being an old petrol station and further investigation being required.

“We agree the site is an ‘eye sore’ and desperately wanted to begin development. This property is in the centre of the village and heart of the community.

“We are disappointed in the comments made by the Community Council given that they have had no dialogue with our company and would welcome any viable commercial suggestions.”