MOT testing station application approved

Powys County Council has granted full planning permission for the change of use at Unit 18 on the Vastre Industrial Estate to allow for the creation of an MOT testing station, which should create 2 to 6 jobs.

The application, originally discussed by the Town Council in April, sought to transform the unit from its previous B1 classification (offices, research and development, light industry) to B2 (general industrial) and B8 (storage and distribution). The approved use will now allow for the establishment of an MOT testing station and garage at the site.

The application, submitted Mr. Ramesh Dewan, had initially raised some questions from town councillors. In their initial response, they chose to "note" the application but requested further details on how the applicant intended to manage the storage and disposal of trade waste, citing concerns about potential environmental impacts.

Despite these initial concerns, the application has now been approved with several conditions. Among these is a requirement that a minimum of 10% of the parking allocation on-site must be equipped with fast-charging electric vehicle (EV) charging points, as part of the county's push towards greener infrastructure. 

The approval also comes with environmental protections. Should any contamination be discovered during development, the local planning authority must be notified immediately, and works in that area must halt until a full investigation and risk assessment can be carried out. This is in line with the council’s wider commitment to safeguarding the local environment.

Another key condition requires the installation of two bird boxes behind the unit prior to the commencement of development, further promoting biodiversity on the industrial estate. This appears to be part of a growing trend in Powys to integrate wildlife conservation measures into planning approvals, particularly in industrial areas where wildlife habitats can be disturbed.

The development is expected to generate between two and six full-time jobs, which will bring a boost to the local economy.

While the council’s approval letter does not directly address the concerns raised about waste disposal, the stipulations around contamination and environmental reporting may offer some reassurance to the community. Mr. Dewan will now need to ensure that the operation of the new MOT station adheres to the stringent conditions set by Powys County Council.