Call for Poundland gym plan decision to be made in public

A Welshpool county councillor has urged the public to make their views known on plans to turn the building currently housing Poundland on Berriew Street into a 24/7 gymnasium.

Our story earlier this week caught the town off guard, stunning readers who responded in their masses to say the plans simply shouldn’t go ahead.

With Poundland's UK operation in financial difficulties and only bought out last year for a fee of £1, the building’s owners appear to be looking ahead with an application for change of use submitted that would allow them to lease the building to Snap 24/7 Fitness.

But with Great Fitness located across the road, and other gyms across the town, most readers believe this new fitness facility is simply not needed.

And now Cllr Graham Breeze has shared his views by urging people to make their opinions officially known, and not just through social media rants. At the moment it is listed as a decision to be made by a senior council officer but he wants it to be put before the Planning Committee.

“As Powys County Councillor for Welshpool Llanerchydol Ward I have requested that this planning application be decided by the council's Planning Committee,” said Cllr Breeze, who has said he would like to address that meeting too.

“This means it will be held in public when views in favour and against can be expressed. Anyone wishing to view the application, make written comment or ask to address the committee meeting can find information on the council's planning portal (link below).”

Welshpool Town Council will review the application on August 12, but they are only a consultee in the process with the final say coming from Powys County Council by September 24.

You can view the full application and can comment by clicking here.