Plans for Quarry Garage go to consultation
By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans to demolish the former quarry garage in Welshpool and build a block of flats on the site have now gone live and comments for and against the scheme can be lodged with Powys planners.
Back in June, we revealed that Wyro Green Homes had put forward a proposal with Powys county planners to demolish the former derelict garage, which is just off the Raven roundabout on the way into Welshpool, and construct a building there that would have eight “open market” flats.
These would be a mixture of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes with parking and small private gardens.
The proposal was validated last month which means that the consultation period has now started.
Wyro Green Homes are part of the Wynnstay group who have owned the sited for over 40 years.
The service station closed in October 2010, and it was used as a second-hand car sales forecourt and garage up to 2022.
Planning Agent, Frederick Carter, said: “The site is a mix of industrial use surrounded by residential. The existing buildings requiring demolition to allow for the development are dated with little potential for any alternative usage.
“It should be recognised that the current buildings are in a poor state of repair requiring significant investment for alternative business uses.”
He says it is “difficult to see” how an alternative business solution could be found for the site given that it is on the edge of the town.
Mr Carter continued: “The proposed development has a variety of dwelling sizes for mixed occupancy; this will support affordability by design and decreasing household size occupancy.”
He explains that designing a block gives flexibility for the end use rather than restrict it to be sheltered housing or a care home.
Mr Carter said: “The proposal has been developed factoring key constraints - the forecourt has potential underground contamination with former petrol tanks.
“This and the potential noise pollution from the main road have been factored to result in the proposed siting being set back away from the road.”
He also explains that the building’s “massing”, which means its shape and form are “intentional”.
This is to reflect the history of the site as it was on the Cambrian Railway track before it was closed in the 1950s.
Mr Carter said: “Examples of this type of structure can be found in towns on the former Cambrian rail network.”
And he points out that an example of style of structure is the former Cambrian rail works in Llanidloes which follows the “vernacular” of engine sheds of the Victorian period.
Mr Carter added: “The site has been vacant for some considerable time; the mixed use provides an opportunity to resolve this brownfield site and provide much needed housing suitable for first time buyers and single occupants and families all within a maintained building that will be both energy efficient and affordable.”
The plans received a lukewarm reception from the Town Council Planning Committee this summer, with a local resident and businessman also sharing their concerns at the same planning meeting.
A decision on the application is expected by January 12 next year.
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