Of a meeting held on Wednesday 27^th October 2010 at 6pm

in the Assembly Room Town Hall Welshpool

                    There were apologies for absence from Cllr S Kaye.

2. Minutes of the last meeting.

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

Erection of a two storey rear extension

The Committee RESOLVED to SUPPORT the application.

P2008 0785　　　 Garreg Lwyd Hill near Llanbadarn Fynydd (Llandrindod Wells)

 23 wind turbines and other ancillary works.

The Committee resolved the OBJECT to the application on the grounds set out below:

TAN 8 REVIEW OF PLANNING

There is a planning review being undertaken by the Welsh Assembly and no decisions should be considered until this review is completed.

The overall plan for transport still does not appear to be prepared and until this is done it is wrong to approve such schemes.

The traffic disruption caused for a number of years on the Mid Wales roads will be unacceptable and will deter visitors to the town. There has been no evidence to show this will not be the case.

The affect of such traffic movements on the local economy, in particular tourism, is unacceptable.

The environmental impact on wildlife, hedgerows and other countryside aspects is unacceptable.

The affect on the street scene with roads built through roundabouts, removal of street furniture and the damage that will be caused to the villages and towns on the route environment is totally unacceptable. Our roads are not built for such traffic.

The affect of transport weights and the amount of lorry transport (causing vibrations on a regular basis) could well affect the older properties in the main streets that the transport passes through. If the lorry movements are to pass close to properties the company should pay for schedules of condition of properties on route so that when the works are completed any damage can be substantiated and paid for in full by the company. The statement made at the recent Planning Committee meeting on this subject gives little comfort as proving any claim would be difficult.

The Council does note your comments with regard to the Tirgwint Application with regard to this subject.

The proposals include community benefit schemes. These do not compensate for the damage to the environment or the effect on the local economy.

The roads through Mid Wales are inadequate for such large transportation with curves, parking and widths being just three of the issues.

In addition there are health and safety issues with clearance of vehicles in narrow parts of the roads being used.

The effect the transportation through Wels pool (along the bypass) will have on trade and small business users is unacceptable with loss of trade a real issue.

The effects can also be felt when in a recession the town is trying to let its empty shops and potential tenants are concerned about the effect on any business they may wish to start in the town.

The effect of traffic congestion is clear when you look at the current Newtown situation.

There is concern about how the emergency services would be able to respond in times when the convoys are operating giving extended response times.

There are a number of alternative proposals which should be considered which would affect the rural community less that those in the consultation document.

Potential damage to the infrastructure caused by excessive weight of the lorries. For example drainage, sewers, underground electric cables, gas pipes and water pipes. This in our view is a matter which needs serious consideration before any plan can be considered.

Some of the vehicles could have an effect on Christmas lights or bunting if they have extensive heights.

My Council would suggest that if it is imperative that the Mid Wales road network has to be used that the Newtown bypass be in place first to allow lorry use of that route.

My Councillor’s would also suggest that the effect on our environment out ways any benefit gained from the wind farms.

No doubt you will let me know if there is any more detail on each objection listed that you require. I would be pleased if you would confirm receipt of our objection.

My Council also wishes to remind you that the following statements were made at the recent planning committee meeting of Powys County Council (when the Tirgwint Application was determined).

1. The application approval at Tirgwint does not set any precident.

2. The houses on the route which are older will be the subject of a survey before and after the transport has been completed at the cost of the development company.

The Welshpool Town Council Community Plan has just completed its consultation process and the results still show that there is a majority of the population against the wind farm transportation proposals. There is, however, support for renewable energy.

Finally, there has in the past been changes in the routes to be used for transport without further notification to the Local Councils affected. I would seek assurance that if there is any change in the transportation proposals which would affect Welshpool that my Council will be informed and further consulted.

P2010 1183　　　 W H Smiths Broad Street

Installation of a new shop front and ramped access.

The Committee RESOLVED to SUPPORT the application.

P2010 1165　　　 Crown Inn Hall Street

Erection of a single storey rear extension.

The Committee RESOLVED to SUPPORT the application.

The Committee approved the final draft which can now go out for final consultation during November 2010.