WELSHPOOL TOWN COUNCIL

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

MINUTES

Of a meeting held on Wednesday 13th October 2010 at 6pm

in the Assembly Room Town Hall Welshpool

Committee

Cllr E Bleivas, Cllr G Cross, Cllr A Crowe, Cllr H Evans, Cllr P Humphreys, Cllr S Kaye, Cllr J Meredith, Cllr Dr J Morgan, Cllr S Squibb and Cllr T Squibb.

Remit

All matters relating to planning, development, highways, planning applications, notices, regeneration, Motte and Bailey and the Town Centre.

Authority

To deal with the above without further reference to the Full Council except where the scheme is of a larger or sensitive nature.

Present were:

Cllr J Meredith (Chair), Cllr E Bleivas, Cllr G Cross, Cllr A Crowe,

Cllr P Humphreys, Cllr S Kaye, Cllr S Squibb and Cllr T Squibb.

Cllr H Evans (all of the meeting except planning applications)

In attendance: Robert Robinson Town Clerk

1. Apologies for absence.

Apologies for absense were received from Cllr Dr J Morgan.

2. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a correct record.

3. General matters:

Planning decisions

There were several planning decisions which were accepted.

Town Centre Plan progress

The Chair and Town Clerk reported on the Town Centre progress as follows:

The new road over the Church Street Car Par commences work on Friday 15th October 2010 with the one way system opening on 6th December.

The Tesco store is due to open on 21st February 2011.

The information booklets are to go to print next Wednesday for delivery late in October.

Finger post signs and touch screen displays have been discussed and general agreement reached. A plan is now available.

There are now regular meetings every Tuesday morning at 9.30am in the Royal Oak between Powys County Council, Longcross, Tesco(sometimes), Cllr J Meredith and the Town Clerk to ensure progress is monitored and help given where required.

The information on the scheme is updated every week and includes displays at the TIC, Powys County Council, Town Clerks Office and Market Village. The Town Council web site also carries an update on the home page.

The trees to be felled on the land opposite the Spar are to come down during the middle of next week.

The Committee agreed that an approach should be made to Tesco to see if the petrol filling station could be 24 hours.

Charity Shops Issue

This issue is progressing slowly and it is hoped to have a final presentation for the WAG Minister by Christmas.

Passages off High Street

Work to replace the cobbles in Whittingham Passage started on 10.10.10.

Motte and Bailey

An update was given on the land situation with regard to the auction.

An update was also given on the plans progress with WAG.

4. Planning applications:

HEDG2010 0005　　　      Crowther Hall Pool Quay

                                                  Removal of a hedgerow at land off A483 near Crowther Hall.

The Committee SUPPORTS this application.

P2010 1078 16 High Street (Talbot Inn)

Listed building application for internal alterations.

The Committee SUPPORTS this application.

P2010 1077 16 High Street (Talbot Inn)

Erection of a single storey extension

The Committee SUPPORTS this application.

P2010 1114 34/36 Erw Wen

Erection of a storm porch, installation of solar panels and removal of chimney.

Note: Declarations of interest on this application were put forward by Cllr A Crowe, Cllr P Humphreys and Cllr E Bleivas.

The Committee SUPPORTS this application.

P2010 1101 Land at Pool Quay opp School House

Erection of an agricultural workers dwelling, alteration to access and the construction of a new access. Also construction of a septic tank.

The Committee is aware that the property is outside the settlement boundary and that there is a presumption against development. The Committee SUPPORTS this application subject to:

The property being restricted to an agricultural dwelling.

The property to be of a size to reflect its use as a farm dwelling.

5. Welshpool - Going Forward with Pride

The Community plan for Welshpool was discussed in detail.

The final draft is located in the minutes file.

The overall planwas considered and was accepted subject to the following alterations to the adopted plan list:

REMOVE any reference to a free standing notice board as there are adequate notice boards already.

COMBINE reference to cleaner Welshpool with other related items.

Including dog fouling, alcohol ban, magistrates court etc.

The basic plan outline was accepted.

The plan will now go on display during November for final comment before the Planning Committee makes a recommendation to the Full Council.

6. Oldford Estate Phase 4

The Committee considered four alternative proposals for the development of the site at Oldford Phase 4. After discussion it was agreed to recommend Option 2.

The option comprises:

2 houses next to the Scansis Pitch.

4-6 houses at the bottom of the site.

Develop the central play area for housing.

Erect a new play area with equipment on the site by the Scansis Pitch with open space.

Steps from the upper to lower level.

The Committee considered the location of the playground and came to the view that the play area by the Scansis Pitch is best with some houses nearby to overlook it.

A copy of the plans are with the minutes of the meeting.