Poundland future “a matter for the landlord”

Poundland seems as stunned as the rest of Welshpool over plans submitted to turn its huge Berriew Street building into a 24/7 gymnasium.

Our readers responded with disbelief after we exclusively revealed yesterday that the budget retailer looks like having the rug pulled from under them by their landlord.

That is because a detailed planning application has been submitted to Powys County Council for a change of use for the building from retail to a gymnasium, despite a huge gym already located across the road and others sprinkled around the town.

The proposal is to then lease the building to Snap Fitness, a national chain that has their gyms open 24/7, creating 10-12 jobs, leaving Poundland homeless in the town.

“Another gym is the last thing Welshpool needs,” one reader said, while another added it would be “bonkers” if the county council allowed it to happen.

Poundland responded, it seems, with shock when we contacted them yesterday, saying: ““The planning application, and their future intentions, are a matter for the landlord. 

“We have no immediate plans to close the store.”

So, it seems they will keep trading for now, but if the application for change of use is approved by Powys, they will have to leave.

Meanwhile, Welshpool Town Council will be reviewing the application at a planning meeting on August 12 in the Town Hall chambers. They will be a consultee only on the application, with their comments to be forwarded to Powys County Council as part of their decision-making process.

A final decision is expected by September 24.

You can read the full planning application by clicking here.