Town Councillors give their views on the future of Croesawdy

Town Councillors agree with Powys County Council officers that more information is required before Croesawdy is demolished.

Town Councillors on the Council's Economy & Environment Committee met tonight in a special meeting to discuss plans to demolish Croesawdy in New Road.

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The application process for the proposed demolition is different from usual planning applications, which would appear on the Powys County Council Planning Portal. This application for demolition is made under a process called 'permitted development' which requires the applicant to give notice to the planning authority of their intent.

In responding to the consultation, Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council have supported the officers recommendation at Powys County Council that further information is required before demolition can take place. This is due to be discussed at the Powys County Council Planning, Taxi Licensing & Rights of Way Committee, which is due to meet on Thursday 18th August 2022.

Town Councillors highlighted the comments from environmental protection which highlighted concerns around dust and noise pollution whilst demolition took place, along with the Built Heritage Officer at the County Council.

Local historian and campaigner, Gill Bridgwater presented a petition to the committee which has gained 508 signatures to save the building.

Members on the committee also highlighted sections of the newly adopted, Newtown Place Plan, which forms part of the planning process in Newtown as supplementary planning guidance, such as Policy 'CH-c' which local heritage buildings and structures which are unlisted should be considered to be retained.

Cllr Richard Edwards explained that if Cadw decide to consult on listing the building, and if approved by Welsh Ministers, the building could be listed from the date of approval by Ministers. Cadw are set to visit the building on the 17th August 2022.

Cllr Pete Lewington and Cllr Chris Jones expressed concerns around the lack of information about the future of the site, which would become clear if the planning authority proceed with requesting further information. Cllr Lewington also raised concerns around restrictive covanants on the land, which could hamper any attempts to change the site.

The final vote was 4 in support with 0 against and delegated responsibility was given to Chair of the Committee, Cllr Richard Edwards to confirm the final wording with officers to be transmitted to Powys County Council.