Councillors to consider new play park site

Town councillors in Newtown are to deliberate on potential locations for a new play park in the Llanllwchaiarn.

The upcoming discussions at next week's Services Committee follow a report concerning the development of a new play park in Llanllwchaiarn.

Despite a setback due to staffing shortages at the town council, lead councillors Cllr Mike Childs and Cllr Pete Lewington are urging the committee to allow the Operations Manager to address the first point outlined in the proposal.

The report indicates that a review conducted in 2023 highlighted the lack of play park facilities in the community area, identifying Llanllwchaiarn as a top priority location in need of a play area.

While some land has been allocated for this purpose by a developer, ongoing financial issues have delayed progress on the project for several years. Information regarding potential funds from Section 106 contributions did not reveal any allocation for Llanllwchaiarn.

Potential Sites

Newtown & Llanllwchairn Town Council currently holds possession of two small land parcels within the housing estate. While the developer may consider a land swap involving one of these plots, the suggested exchange site is described as narrow and steep, making it less viable compared to the council-owned land.

An alternative proposal to construct the play park on a portion of church land was explored during a meeting with the Vicar and church representatives. However, the site near the graveyard was deemed unsuitable for the project.

Two specific sites under consideration are:

1. Located at the top of the estate in woodland surroundings, this land is deemed inaccessible and unsuitable for a conventional play park.
2. Positioned between properties at a road turn on Woodland Way, this site features a usable area of approximately 12m by 10m, making it suitable for a small play park. However, the remaining area slopes steeply towards the road and would necessitate a significant fence at the rear.

It is likely that town councillors will authorise the Operations Manager to obtain a rough estimate of the cost of putting a play park on site 2.