Developers remove iconic tree
This picture (right) was posted on the Welshpool Melting Pot Facebook page showing that as part of the ongoing redevelopment of the Raven Square site, the old walnut tree that dominated the car park has gone.
Many have questioned how the council allowed this to happen and raised the point of whether it was protected by a Tree Preservation Order.
MyWelshpool last night investigated and the council confirmed that, in fact, it wasn’t and the developers were within their rights to remove it.
“There was no Tree Preservation Order on the tree (and it was also outside of the conservation) so the landowner does not need permission from the council to remove it,” we were told by a Powys County Council spokesperson.
Nevertheless, residents are unhappy that such a piece of the town’s history has gone forever.
“Such a shame to have removed that beautiful tree,” one commented, while another added that the “beautiful walnut tree should have had a preservation order on it”.
Mat Brown, who posted the picture, said: “It takes donkeys years for a walnut tree to reach that size. Its age and size made it a very special tree, giving it impact. It was a great feature of the Raven Inn.”
Earlier this year we reported that the Raven Inn was set for a new lease of life with owners Glenn and Mark Rowles looking to transform the well-established property.
The improvements are expected to include the provision of a new toilet block, a completely new downstairs gastro-pub style layout, a new kitchen and the provision of six en-suite bedrooms.
In their planning application the Rowles brothers said: “The principle objective of this application is to ensure the long term future of The Raven Inn as a vibrant and viable town pub. In addition to the community and social benefits this will also have the economic advantage of providing employment and attracting visitors to the town.”
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