Controversial Trewern development approved

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter

At the second time of asking, plans for a social housing development in Trewern have been given the go-ahead by councillors.

At a meeting of Powys County Council’s Planning Committee, councillors received an updated report on a scheme by Mid Wales Property Developments (MWP).

MWP want to build 40 detached and semi-detached affordable homes on land at Gate Farm, Criggion Lane and once built, the scheme would be handed over to be run by a housing association as social rented housing.

The application was first debated by councillors at a committee meeting on October 23, when senior planning officer Kate Bowen recommended that councillors approve the proposal. But the application has come in for much criticism in the village.

At the October meeting, local county councillor Amanda Jenner (Conservative – Trelystan and Trewern) said that there were “several critical matters” that needed to be addressed before it could go ahead.

This included “the overriding concern from the community relates to this proposed traffic crossing on the A458 trunk road through Trewern”.

Cllr Jenner said that there was a history of accidents occurring in this area with some being “very serious”.

Due to this, councillors voted overwhelmingly to postpone a decision on the application until plans for a road crossing had been finalised.

Planning Officer, Lorraine Jenkin, explained that Cllr Jenner “didn’t want a crossing to be “too close” to the brow of that hill which is on the Shrewsbury side of the road going through Trewern.

The difference now is that the developer has negotiated with local landowners and Welsh Government Highways and found a location for a crossing to the west of the entrance to Criggion Lane, which would be on route to the services in the village, such as the school and playground.

Ms Jenkin said: “Welsh Government have taken this to their departure committee because it’s not completely in accordance with regulations. They accept it will be an acceptable departure from standards.”

Ms Jenkin recommended that councillors approve the scheme.

Cllr Elwyn Vaughan (Plaid Cymru – Glantwymyn) – it’s good to see this proposal back with us – it’s a good development, and with this enhancement all parties will be singing from the same hymn sheet.”

He proposed agreeing the scheme.

Cllr Karl Lewis said (Reform UK – Llandinam and Dolfor) said: “I know this road extensively and it’s a very fast piece of road and not everyone sticks to the speed limit.

“I would be happier if we saw a pelican crossing, however the local member and the community council seem to be satisfied with what has been proposed.”

He was willing to second the proposal to go to a vote which saw councillors unanimously agree the scheme.

Following the vote committee Chairman Cllr Gareth D Jones (Powys Independents – Llanfair Caereinion and Llanerfyl) said: “Cllr Jenner has asked me to thank the committee for listening to the debate and it shows a positive way in which a deferment has worked.”