Welshpool flats development backed by town planners

One of Welshpool’s best-known buildings is set to be converted into 22 one and two-bedroom flats, after plans were conditionally backed by town council planners last night.

New Dolanog House on Severn Road is best known as the former Tax Office, or Job Centre, but the upper two floors have been largely derelict for years, prompting a change of use application from its owner.

And last night, the plans were presented to the town council’s Planning Committee who wanted several caveats added to their permission.

“I am just happy to see that after all the years that this building has been empty and up for rent, particularly the upper floors, probably over 20 years, it is nice to see that it is being better utilised to provide accommodation for people, so I would support it,” said Town Mayor, Cllr Nick Howells.

Cllr Billy Spencer wanted developers to think about the building’s exterior as part of the project after describing it’s look as “foul”.

“I support this, but what I will say is the appearance of that building is foul. Horrible looking and in a heritage area. If we did accept it could we ask for the building to be spruced up for the good of the town?” he said.

Cllr Geoff Lanagan highlighted that he hoped the development would be appealing for the young people of the town, and Cllr Phil Pritchard pointed out that over 50% of applicants on the Welshpool housing waiting list were young people looking for one-bedroom accommodation.

Committee Chair, Cllr David France, said he had studied the plans and confirmed they would be available to all age groups with 20% of the apartments classed as “affordable”, a figure he hoped would be increased. He added that, his understanding, was that the apartments would be for sale, and that Housing Associations may well be interested in purchasing.

Councillors unanimously agreed to support the plans, but with a request for the developer to improve the look of the building's exterior and to increase the percentage of apartments classed as affordable.

The comments will be submitted to Powys County Council who make the final decision.