Planning application to demolish former Motor World building and build flats rejected by councillors

Plans to demolish the former Motor World car spares building in Newtown and replace it with a new building that would provide ground floor retail space and six flats above it were rejected by Powys County Council Planning committee members on March 16.

The planning application, which received criticism from residents, with 124 objections being raised about issues including the impact on nearby historic buildings and the conservation area.

However, 57 letters of support were also received.

Senior planning officer, Kate Bowen, advised councillors to refuse the plans, saying that the development would harm the appearance of the Newtown Conservation Area and the settings of the identified listed buildings. The final vote on refusal was 17 votes for and two against.

Councillors also criticised the quality of planning applications and the constant amending of applications.