Concerns over Quarry Garage development

Plans to demolish the former Quarry Garage and turn it into eight flats have faced stiff scrutiny from Welshpool Town Council, but they fell short of opposing the plans completely.

Wyro Green Homes wants to turn the derelict site close to Raven Square into a block of one, two and three-bedroom flats that would be available on the open market, but the developer said it would also be open to a housing association project.

However, there is considerable opposition from local residents and businesses, and at this week's full council meeting, councillors raised their own concerns that triggered passionate debate in the chamber.

Cllr Sally Fitzgerald said that while she supported the building’s demolition, as did most councillors, she didn’t support the housing plans because “people are really unhappy”.

“Yes, the garage does need to come down but this development, people are really unhappy about it,” she said.

“You need to go and talk to the residents up there before you decide on anything. It’s an eyesore coming into the town. People will be overlooked by it, so it is no longer private for people who already live there. If this comes in they are going to be so upset.”

Cllr Alison Davies pointed out that there was also a discrepancy between the land in the application and the area at the land registry, adding: “Building residential properties there is a good idea but they have got a lot of things to overcome before they get there.”

Councillors voted by 5-4 to ‘note the application’ but listed their concerns to be addressed, which include:

-       Clearing up the land ownership issue

-       Potential soil and groundwater contamination from the former fuel tanks

-       The risk to the quarry’s resident peregrine falcons

-       Asbestos

-       The mix of housing type

-       Concerns of local residents