Member of the public criticises decision to support development

A member of the public has asked the Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council to 'be bolder' over it's decision to support the re-development of Motorworld 

In a letter to town councillors, which is due to be considered at the next meeting of the Economy & Environment Meeting held on 5th September 2021, a member of the public has asked councillors 'to be bold' to demand more with the planning application for the demolition and re-development of Motorworld on Gas Street.

The member of the public, who has not been named, submitted the letter to councillors following a decision to support the plans.

In the letter they say:

"It was encouraging to hear that the council has policy in place to reference when considering these matters. However, I was a little surprised by the lack of willingness to do due diligence to considerand implement the policies you have during the meeting."

"Does the council have a working document that they reference to keep check of what kind of development is needed within the town?"

"One councillor mentioned that it would be nice to have homes for working professionals. Again, no figures to support that statement, but it does suggest a nice fictional narrative to support the building in attracting desirable people rather that addressing a genuine housing need. "

"As councillors you are in a position where you can make recommendations of what the building should look like. You could have suggested inspiration from the House on Gas Street, or from the Bank"

"A councillor mentioned that Newtown has constantly been developed, buildings demolished and rebuilt several times. There is no denying that, but what we have to consider and learn from is how have those building benefitted the town regarding long lasting sustainability?"

"There is no reason why development can't be welcomed but on terms which keep the character and values of the town. As councillors, people’s representatives, I cannot understand why you have not been bolder to demand more with this particular planning development. "