WELSHPOOL TOWN COUNCIL
WELSHPOOL TOWN & COMMUNITY PLAN 2017 – 2022
WELSHPOOL TOWN COUNCIL Triangle House Union Street Welshpool SY21 7PG Tel 01938 553142 Email [email protected]
25th October 2017 ADOPTED PLAN
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CONTENTS
No Heading Page 1 Introduction and Background 3-4 2 Local Development Plan 5 3 Welshpool and its Economic Base 6-7 4 Consultation method 8 5 The Town Plan Policy elements 9 6 Action plan 10 7 Review and monitoring 11 8 Relevant documents and plans 12 9 Signatures and Adoption 13
Appendix A Town boundaries 14 B Census for Welshpool 15-17 C Consultation results 18-39 D Town plan policy elements 40 D1 Town Centre Policy 40 D2 Shopping Policy 40-42 D3 Residential Policy 42 D4 Industrial and Commercial Policy 42 D5 Out of Town Shopping 43 D6 Markets 43 D7 Main Line Rail Policy 43 D8 National and local bus policy 44-46 D9 Taxi provision 46 D10 Community Transport 46 D11 Car parking policy 46 D12 Tourist Information Policy 47 D13 Airport 47 D14 Montgomery Canal 47-48 D15 Road and Traffic Policy 48 D16 Town Centre Facilities Policy 49 D17 Other Town Centre Policies 49-50 D18 Pool Quay 50 D19 The Belan 50 D20 Flood Plains 50 D21 Renewable Energy 51 D22 Other specific policies 51-53 D23 Access for All Policy 53 D24 Policies for the young 53 D25 Language Policy 54 E One Way System review actions 55-56 F 2015 Town Plan actions and results 57-65 G Overall Plans showing land uses (LDP adjusted) 66-71 H Town Centre Planning detail 72 J Town Centre Car parking plan 73 K Priority Order for projects in the plan 74
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1 Introduction and background
1.1 Welshpool Town Council first published a Town Plan in 2008, Community Plans in 2007, 2010 and 2014, Transport Plan in 2014 and Regeneration Plan in 2013 all of which has guided the decisions made by the Council during the period from then to 2015. In 2015 all the current plans were produced in a single document called ‘The Welshpool Town Plan’. A copy of the previous plans are posted on the Town Council web site at www.welshpooltowncouncil.gov.uk along with the combined plan.
1.2 The Town has seen much change since 2008 and even more in 2016 in the Town Centre and in particular the following are noted:
i) The changes in the economic climate and shopping habits affected by those changes including internet shopping. ii) The settling down of the new traffic management system. iii) The change in parking habits due to the free parking now limited to 3 hours on the Tesco site and the higher charges imposed by the County Council on the public car parks. iv) The continued redevelopment of the Burgesses Land Trust site in Brookfield Road. v) The introduction of an improved rail service from May 2015. vi) The budget cuts by the principle authorities affecting service delivery, some of which affect the structure of the town. vii) The arrival of national names such as Aldi, B & M, Pets at Home and Greg’s the bakers. viii) The changes in tourism in that more families are now coming to Mid Wales with their pets in tow. ix) The lack of both industrial space (almost all full) and retail space (almost full) with no further obvious land available to expand.
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1.3 Since the inception of all the plans an annual report has been produced to the Full Council giving an update on progress with regard to actions taken and policies being implemented. This procedure is to be continued during the life of this plan.
1.4 This new Plan replaces all previous plans and covers an area to include the whole area served by Welshpool Town Council as set out in appendix A.
1.5 The Town Council accepts that this document is not Statutory but will seek to implement its Policies in its decision and policy making with regards to Welshpool and its community supported by the Charter between the Principal and Town Councils.
1.6 Welshpool Town Council accepts that some of the policies, aims and objectives may differ from those of the County Council and the Local Development Plan. In these cases the Town Council will put forward its case for consideration accepting that the final decision will that of the principal authority with regards to County Council and Local Development Plan Policy
1.7 The Town Plan 2017 to 2020 will inform principle authorities (including the Welsh Government and County Council) of the Welshpool Town Council plans and will in turn aid grant funding.
1.8 The plan period shall be from the date of adoption until its review in the Autumn of 2018 and every year thereafter.
1.9 Welshpool Town Council will continue to support the local communities and their Community Councils around it when that is possible.
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2 Local Development Plan
2.1 The Local Development adopted by Powys County Council forms the overall policy for the County including Welshpool.
2.2 The Town Council made a formal submission at consultation stage following a public consultation and survey hosted by the Town Council which influenced the Local Development Plan procedure and the final plan. (copy attached at the back of this document.)
2.3 The Town Plan takes into account the site allocations in the Local Development Plan and where appropriate reflects the policies affecting Welshpool contained therein where they are not in conflict with the views of the Town Council.
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3 Welshpool and its economic base
3.1 The Town Plan proposals reflect the economic base of Welshpool of which the elements considered are:
i) Element no 1 Local residents from Welshpool and the surrounding villages using the shopping centre for their shopping needs. (approx. 25%) ii) Element no 2 Caravan Parks and visitors staying in the local bed and breakfast providers who use Welshpool for their needs. (approx. 20%) iii) Element no 3 Visitors stopping off at Welshpool on their way to another destination (i.e. the Coast). (approx. 45%) iv) Element no 4 Visitors staying at hotels or bed & breakfast within the boundaries of Welshpool. (approx. 10%)
3.2 The other factors which are important when considering the Plan proposals are:
i) A large number of residents in the town do not have a car total 32% overall and from the Oldford side of the Town Centre those who do not have access to a car or van total 34.33% ii) Many of the residents from the Oldford side of the Town Centre are elderly and many have disabilities restricting distances of walking. iii) The registered long term disabled population of Welshpool extends to 24%. iv) The number of under 18 year olds comprises 24%. v) Approximately 33% of the population is over 60 years of age. vi) 91% of the population have little or no knowledge of Welsh. vii) Employment - 27% are employed in retail, wholesale and transport while14% Are carers and 22% work in Tourism related industries. viii) Unemployment is substantially below the national average. However much employment is part time.
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ix) The effect of the traffic management system on pedestrian movement throughout the Town Centre. x) The improved rail services implemented in May 2015. xi) A copy of the census 2011 is attached at appendix B.
3.3 There is also a need to help increase the Town’s economic base and the proposal is to achieve this by:
i) Attracting more people to stop and visit the Town. ii) Keeping existing clientele who visit the Town. iii) Ensuring that residents from outlying areas use the Town. iv) Making the best of the new Cambrian Line rail services. v) Encouraging the development of more new homes including affordable housing. vi) Encouraging industry to consider Welshpool as a location for business. vii) Promotion of the town and its benefits. viii) Continue with events to attract people to the town.
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4 Consultation method
4.1 This Town Plan has been developed taking into account the Local Development Plan along with the consultation carried out with residents, businesses and the Youth Council.
4.2 The method of consultation used for all elements is:
i) Booklets delivered to every home and collected back in.
ii) Public drop of day for all interested persons in sessions held in the Corn Exchange of the Town Hall.
iii) Presentation boards displayed at drop in sessions and in the Tourist Information Centre.
iv) Publicity via the Web Site, Social Media, posters and local media.
v) Meetings of the Business Forum.
vi) Meetings of the Youth Council.
vii) Councillors speaking to individuals.
viii) The consultation covered a 2 month period.
4.3 The consultation shall comprise a written statement along with large scale plans showing the Councils policies for public comment.
4.5 The period of the consultation for the new Town Plan was completed from 1st July to 14th September 2017.
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5 The Town Plan Policy elements
5.1 The Policies of the Town Council are set out at appendix D and are shown in plan form at appendix H which includes land use allocation.
5.2 The Policies of the Town Council will guide the decisions of the Town Council with regard to development opportunities in the Town subject to there being no overriding factors which come to light at the time of consideration.
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6 Action plan
6.1 The Action Plan following adoption of the plan and against which the Plan shall be measured is:
Actions carried forward from the last plan with new additions
No Subject % public support 1 Preparation of a Town Centre sustainability plan N/A 2 Seek improvements to the One Way System 60% AVE 3 Continue with work to deliver a full hourly train 83% service Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth 4 Improved disabled provision at Welshpool main 74% line station 5 Bus station in Berriew Street car park 61% 6 Provision of safe cycle routes including promotion 78% in Welshpool 7 Improved CCTV system jointly with Dyfed Powys 78% Police 8 Re-opening of the Montgomeryshire Canal to 78% Welshpool with a longer term aim to Newtown 9 A Nature reserve to support the re-opening of the 65% Montgomeryshire Canal 10 Provision of a footpath connection between the 63% middle of Little Henfaes Drive and Salop Road (possible canal bridge) 11 Review Courtroom refurbishment in the Town Hall 45% 12 Motte and Bailey Project completed 60% 13 Service delivery – protection of Youth Club in 77% Welshpool 14 Service delivery – protection of library service 84% 15 Service delivery – bus service protection in 88% Welshpool 16 Prepare and deliver an access for all plan 82% 17 Ensure provision of electric charging points for N/A cars 18 Referendum to be completed on Hospitals N/A 19 Improvements to the Skateboard Park Youth suggestion
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6.2 Action Plan Priority In addition to the above other items from the plan shall be included – within one month of the adoption of the plan a schedule of actions shall be prepared for Council approval showing the priority order for the plan.
6.3 Town Plan 2015 Action Plan The actions contained in the previous plan are set out at appendix G along with details of how each policy has proceeded from that plan.
7 Review and monitoring
5.1 The plan should be subject to review and monitoring and the following methods shall be used to achieve this with regard to the new plan.
5.2 The Town Clerk shall in consultation with the Planning, Development and Environment Committee present a review to the Full Council each December covering the following elements:
i) Reporting on decisions of the Council against policy. ii) Reporting on the actions to be completed contained in the plan. iii) Reporting on any changes which may be needed to update the plan. iv) Reporting on the Town Status
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8. Relevant documents and plans
8.1 The other relevant documents which are referred to in this plan are:
Powys County Council Local Development Plan
Welshpool Town Council & Powys County Council Charter 2017
Past plans of Welshpool Town Council (as informative)
Shrewsbury Aberystwyth Rail Liaison Committee Future Plan
8.2 Following the adoption of the Welshpool Town Plan 2017 it will form the Policy of the Town Council for the plan period to September 2020.
The following plans shall be superseded:
Welshpool Town Centre Plan 2008 Welshpool Town Centre Plan revised 2012 Welshpool Regeneration Plan 2013 Welshpool Town Council Community Plan 2010 to 2013 Welshpool Transport Plan 2014 Welshpool Community Plan 2014-2017 Welshpool Town Plan 2015-2017
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9. Signatories and adoption
9.1 This plan was adopted by Welshpool Town Council at its Full Council Meeting held on Wednesday…………………….
9.2 The signatories to the Plan are:
…………………………………………………… Town Mayor of Welshpool
…………………………………………………… Chair Planning, Development & Environment Committee
…………………………………………………… R A Robinson FRICS FILCM Town Clerk
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APPENDIX B Census for Welshpool
The census figures for Welshpool as at 2011 are set out below:
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APPENDIX C Consultation results
a) The list of those organisations consulted but with no reply was: i) Local Town and Community Councils including Llanfair Caereinion, Castle Caereinion, Meifod, Berriew, Forden, Leighton, Bausley & Criggion, Llandrino & Arddleen, Guilsfield, Trewern and Montgomery. ii) Powys County Council. iii) Welsh Government.
b) The list of those people and organisations who were consulted and who responded were:
i) Welshpool Women’s Institute. ii) Welshpool Baptist Church. iii) Welshpool Methodist Church. iv) Welshpool Rotary Club. v) Residents through an open day at the Tourist Information Office. vi) Public Meeting with some residents of Pool Quay. vii) Public Meeting with some residents of The Belan. viii) Canal and Rivers Trust. ix) Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust. x) Local Council Forum. xi) Welshpool Business Forum. xii) Shrewsbury Aberystwyth Railway Liaison Committee. xiii) North and Mid Wales Association of Local Councils. xiv) Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway. xv) Welshpool Youth Council. xvi) North Powys Volunteer Bureau
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b) Summary of responses to consultation A summary of the consultation responses is set out here:
NO SHOPPING More attractive shopping needed to The shopping centre only attract visitors improves with the actions of the owners of properties. The Town Council will continue to work with business to strive to improve the centre. 1 MARKETS Remove street market, takes up car The street market is a charter spaces. market and therefore the Council must allow such stalls on the main street. 2 ROADS Railings by all controlled crossings There are railings by most needed. crossings where this can be done. Clear road signs of undergrowth. Powys County Council has been asked to do this. Parking on pavements an issue. The Police are addressing this issue where needed. Issue of loading in Berriew Street. New loading restrictions have recently been introduced. Powys County Council has Brookfield Road potholes are now in been informed of this; need of urgent attention however resurfacing is in the programme for 2017-2018. One way system alterations suggested. There are alterations to the system being proposed by the Town Council and a schedule of these is included in this document. Sleeping policeman on all 20mph roads. There ae sleeping policeman where appropriate in 20mph limits, however there are national guidelines of when sleeping policeman can be installed. Pool Quay has a 50mph limit on the The Council has adopted a roads while the Belan is 60mph. policy of supporting this suggested change. 20mph on Broad Street. It is not possible to invoke 20mph limits on Trunk Roads. Solution to Catholic Church area parking There is no support in the needed. questionnaire responses to take any action.
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3 STREET SCENE Need for bin by Poundland. This is now in place. Need for more litter bins around the There is a programme of outskirts of the town. providing more litter bins, 20 have been added in the last 4 months. Litter bins by Andrews Fish Bar. There are litter bins close to Andrews Fish Bar. Alleyways forgotten need more Noted, improvement will be cleaning. taken forward. More benches around town to sit on. Old benches are being refurbished and new benches added over time. More floral displays. This will be considered. Main street cleaning to be improved. This is improving all the time and will continue. Little Henfaes needs weeds attention. Work done. 4 6 ACRES REC Not achievable. The Town has a need of 42 SPACE RULE acres, there is currently 36 acres. Only 6 to go. 5 ARDWYN Retain public footpath (wiggly path) A Powys County Council SCHOOL matter which has the path under review due to concern by residents. 6 SUGGESTED USES Housing All noted. FOR ARDWYN Youth Hostel SCHOOL Social Housing
7 RENEWABLE Solar Panel grants for existing homes Note. A National Government ENERGY initiative and one which the Town Council would support. 8 BUSES Location of bus station would be better Noted. in Church Street car park. Run buses earlier and later in the day. Noted. Bus needed to Coed Y Dinas a few times Noted. a week. 9 CANAL More use, small boats to hire. The Town Council is working with all interested parties to get the canal linked to the National Network, this will allow more water based uses. 10 DRINKING ISSUES St Marys Churchyard a drinking spot Note, Police aware. 11 DAY CENTRE New name for centre should have been Noted. a choice of the residents. 12 RECREATION Keep fit for children needed. Noted. Seating area for senior citizens. Noted. Somewhere for dog walkers. There is a dog waling areas plan on the Councils Web Site. This is being addressed. Better grass maintenance at Brookfield Road Playgrounds.
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13 WELSH Signs in two colours to make reading the Noted. LANGUAGE different languages easier 14 YOUTH Keep fit for children needed Noted. More for the young – ie cycle tracks, Advice from the Youth Council tennis court etc. is being sought on the needs of Young People and what provision is needed. 15 EVENTS Bring back events such as the air show The Air Show is no longer a and transport festival. practical option; however a transport festival through the ages is being introduced. 16 DISABLED Provide changing places facility. Noted and to be considered.
17 GENERAL Building rubble not good at the Old In private ownership, the Bakery in Union Street. Town Council has asked for it to be tidied up. Council should host a built heritage Noted for consideration. forum . Comments about usage of re-cycling Recycling Centre is Welshpool centres. is to return to 7 days a week opening. A better police presence. Noted- comments passed to Police authorities. Allotments untidy. Being addressed later in the summer. Suggest a large metal dragon sculpture A Town Centre attraction has for Town. always been an objective of the Council and will remain so until the opportunity arises.
RESPONSE FROM POWYS COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Comment Town Council Response
A lack of industrial and retail space is cited for Welshpool. Noted. The Town Council accepts The Powys LDP is an evidence based document and has been the position of the County Council. carefully drawn up to address identified needs to 2026. As the County Council is not able to act on anecdotal evidence alone the Council considers it important that evidence on local issues is robust and is shared between relevant parties and stakeholders so as to shape strategic planning. This can be achieved through sharing information with both development management and planning policy and through the involvement of the regeneration section of Powys County Council.
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Whilst the Local Development Plan will be monitored annually and reviewed every four years, it has nevertheless been written so as to adopt a flexible and responsive approach to changing development needs so that where needs are fully evidenced, suitable opportunities for meeting those needs can be explored and met within shorter timescales as necessary.
Current wording: The Local Development adopted by Powys Noted and adjusted accordingly. County Council forms the overall policy for the County including Welshpool.
Has the word “Plan” missing from Local Development Plan.
Also the phrase “once adopted” would be more accurate than simply adopted, i.e. “The Local Development Plan once adopted …..” as the LDP Examination process is ongoing and the Council is yet to reach the stage of adoption of the LDP (expected early 2018).
Suggest change overall policy to “overall development policy” or “overall land use planning policy” as the County Council has a wide breadth of policy objectives which are not always the subject matter of the LDP.
It is noted that the Plan is silent on the proposals for new Noted. The Town Council did not primary schools sites for Welshpool (the Welshpool Primary feel that there was a need for this Schools Project) which is currently being pursued by the to be included in the plan. However County Council through its 21st Century Schools Programme. a note regarding what type of Planning Policy recommend that the Town Plan could reflect development the Town Council this project to assist in keeping local people informed and would consider on the Oldford, engaged in decision making. Note that site maps for the new Gungrog and Ardwyn Sites is now English-medium Church in Wales School (grounds of included. Welshpool High School) and the new Welsh-medium Community Primary School (on the existing school site at Maes y Dre/Howell Road) are now available on the County Council’s public website and the latest newsletter confirms that Project Contractors have been appointed. To date planning applications have not been submitted so full statutory consultation arrangements will apply at that time. Due to the absence of planning permission and the general timing of the processes, the proposed new school sites were not identified or shown in the Local Development Plan.
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It is noted that the Town Council’s Consultation Survey does include reference to the re-use of the Ardwyn School site once it closes and the Town Council may wish to also gather views on the possible re-uses of the both the Gungrog School and the Oldford School sites which are expected to become vacant as a result of the schools modernisation programme.
Recommend that the text is changed to the “emerging Local Noted. Development Plan” for accuracy.
Public drop of day – typographical error. Drop-in day? Noted.
Central Bus Point – it is noted that a central bus point has The bus station location was agreed been identified but this has not been shown on any with Powys County Council and is accompanying map. included in the description. It will be added to one of the maps to be The County Council acknowledges that the Town Council have added. identified the Berriew Street Car Park (the car park by Poundland) at both page 41, box 30 and in the Action Plan at action point 5*, para 6.1 (page 10). It is suggested that the Town Plan includes this site on a map to assist readers in identifying the proposed location. However, this potential land-use is not something that would need to be addressed by a site allocation in the LDP (having no immediate certainty) and any such proposal would be covered by transport policies alongside other relevant plan policies.
It is of interest to see that both lorries and coaches were reluctant to move to Berriew Street (see page 34, boxes 20, The moving of coaches from the 21) – would their experience have a bearing on what may Church Street car park would be similarly affect a bus company using this proposed site? resisted. The Bus Station was for local bus services only. *Formatting error? Note that the Action Point numbers (column 1) on page 10 are a little confusing as numbers 1-6 Noted. are duplicated albeit with differing text.
The Council notes there are discrepancies between residential The plan will be altered accordingly. sites included in the Town Plan and those included for Welshpool in the current (emerging) LDP. The County Council is pleased that the Town Plan acknowledges that some are future residential sites (highlighted in yellow). For clarity, the County Council confirms that the sites highlighted in yellow in Appendix H are not currently allocated for housing in the
LDP (which runs to 2026) and do in fact lie outside of the Local Development Plan’s development boundary.
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The County Council can only treat these (i.e. the yellow sites) Agreed. as speculative sites at the present time. As potential development sites they are likely to be required to be subject to full candidate sites assessment at a later date as part of updating the LDP evidence base at review stage, or instead be analysed through the planning application process if submitted in advance of the next LDP sites selection process.
The Plan omits to include a map showing the mentioned The plans will altered to reflect the Shopping Zone (which is also referenced in D 1.1) or a clear LDP boundaries but with Town definition of the Zone unless it is the same as the Town Council notations where Centre areas highlighted in orange in Appendix H? appropriate.
Note that section D5.1 makes reference to Appendix E which Noted. appears to be an error and there also appears to be an incorrect reference to “Policy E3.1” in para D5.2 as it probably means Policy D 5.1?
Whilst the shopping zone appears to be unmapped, it is Noted. acknowledged that the Shopping Policies in D2 are detailed clearly on a street by street basis. The County Council recommends that regard is had to the emerging LDP retail policies which identify Welshpool as an Area Retail Centre with Plan policies relating to the Town Centre area and Primary and Secondary Shopping Frontages within it. If local level plans are consistent with the plans above them it reduces uncertainty and conflict in the planning process. Please note that this part of the LDP has been subject to changes arising from the Examination Hearings Sessions and hence will be included in the Matters Arising Consultation (19 September to 30 October 2017) which may be of interest to you.
The County Council does not produce a Flood Plains Plan. It Noted is recommended that in this section the Town Council refers instead to the national TAN15 planning guidance and the Development Advice Maps produced by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
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It is considered that the blanket objections as listed to See revised Town Council statement renewable energy proposals are overly prescriptive. They on this subject. seem to provide little scope for a balanced view or sufficient consideration of case by case facts and this approach conflicts with the Welsh Government’s pro-active agenda for renewable energy and the duties placed on the County Council for the Local Development Plan to optimise and facilitate renewable and low carbon development (a Planning Policy Wales objective). Typographical error - Missing spelling of the word “bring” in Noted. bring Brook Street ….. and a similar spelling mistake on page 39.
Plan in Appendix H – it is noted that the Welshpool Town Plan The plan will be altered to development boundary is not wholly consistent with the accommodate the same County Council’s LDP development boundary. boundaries.
YOUTH RETURN The Youth were consulted and their views have been noted alongside the Adult returns in this document.
In addition to the questionnaire results the following were general requests were made from the Youth of the High School:
a) Fast Food outlets such as McDonalds and KFC. b) Trampoline park within one of the playground areas. c) Improvements to the skateboard park. d) Return of the cinema. e) More shops such as Primark. f) Keeping the Youth Club open. g) More frequent buses from outlying districts to Welshpool (evening in particular) h) Paint Balling centre. i) Tennis Courts
The Plan has been adjusted to reflect their views where it is within the ability of the Local Authorities to deliver.
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c) The results of the questionnaire The number of persons responding to the questionnaire was 693 adults and 421 from the High School students. The consultation was held during July and August 2017 with the following summary of responses:
QUESTION ONE Where do you live? (Please tick one box) ADULT YOUTH 1A Welshpool 94% 38% 1B Berriew 0% 7% 1C Castle Caereinion 1% 1% 1D Forden or Leighton 2% 7% 1E Guilsfield 1% 10% 1F Llanfair Caereinion 1% 2% 1G Llanfyllin 0% 1% 1H Other Montgomeryshire 1% 34%
QUESTION TWO Which age range do you fall into? (Please tick one box) ADULT YOUTH 2A Under 18 0% 100% 2B 19 - 26 5% - 2C 27 - 40 18% - 2D 41 - 60 21% - 2E 61 - 75 36% - 2F 76 plus 20% -
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QUESTION THREE Where do you go shopping most regularly? (Please tick one box) ADULT YOUTH 3A Welshpool 89% 51% 3B Newtown 1% 11% 3C Shrewsbury 6% 30% 3D Oswestry 4% 7% 3E My local town or village 0% 1%
QUESTION FOUR Do you speak Welsh? (Please tick one box) ADULT YOUTH 4A Yes I speak Welsh well 6% 9% 4B Yes but not very well 15% 77% 4C No 79% 14%
QUESTION FIVE Do you have a car or van in your household? (Please tick one box) ADULT YOUTH 5A I have use of a car or van 86% N/A 5B I do not have use of a car or van 14% N/A
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QUESTION SIX Can you drive a car or van? (Please tick one box) ADULT YOUTH 6A I have a driving licence 87% N/A 6B I do not have a driving license 13% N/A
QUESTION SEVEN Where is your place of work? (Please tick one box) ADULT YOUTH 7A Welshpool 58% - 7B Newtown 5% - 7C Shrewsbury/Telford 10% - 7D Other Montgomeryshire area 25% - 7E Further afield 2% - 7F School 0% 100%
73% were working adults with 27% of the returns were from retired people.
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QUESTION EIGHT Please indicate which Renewable Energy Polices you think are right to take forward during the life the plan 2017-2022) (Please tick one box for each project) Adult Youth No Policy Yes No Unsure Yes No Unsure 1 To oppose any large scale wind 48% 34% 18% 30% 24% 46% farm development that would lead to a 400kv pylon line. 2 To oppose any large scale solar 34% 39% 27% 28% 31% 41% farm development that would lead to a 400kv pylon line. 3 To support local renewable 83% 10% 7% 55% 14% 31% energy schemes within new homes. 4 The Town Council will seek a 61% 10% 29% 24% 11% 65% review of Welsh Government guidelines on wind farm development (TAN8) by lobbying the Welsh Government
QUESTION NINE Please indicate what you think of the following Polices on land allocation No Policy Suggestion 1 What use do you think Ardwyn School should Housing, Young Persons be put to when it closes as a school in the next Centre, Senior Citizens Home few years? and keep as a school were main ones. 2 What use do you think the existing County Hotel, Conference Centre, Council offices in Severn Street should be put Housing, Offices were main to if they become vacant? (bear in mind that ones. the building is listed grade II)
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QUESTION TEN Please indicate which projects you think are right to take forward during the life the plan 2017-2022) (Please tick one box for each project) Adult Youth No Project Yes No Unsure Yes No Unsure 1 Provision of a tennis court for 47% 17% 36% 75% 11% 14% the town. 2a A pelican crossing by the 65% 21% 14% 53% 21% 26% Town Hall linked to the Cross traffic lights 2b Altering the one way system 58% 29% 13% 40% 20% 40% to bring Brook Street back to two way traffic 2c Altering the one way system 49% 37% 14% 26% 25% 49% to provide a single lane of traffic up Broad Street/High Street 3 Provision of a full hourly train 83% 4% 13% 77% 6% 17% service on the Shrewsbury Aberystwyth Railway line 4 Improved disabled provision at 74% 10% 16% 74% 9% 17% Welshpool Main Line Station (i.e. lifts) 5 Provision of a bus station in 61% 20% 19% 67% 9% 24% the Berriew Street car park in the area behind the public toilets 6 Provision of safe cycling 78% 10% 12% 82% 5% 13% routes between the schools with publicity 7 Provision of a new CCTV 78% 7% 15% 70% 14% 16% system with the town Police 8a Re-opening of the 78% 5% 17% 52% 10% 38% Montgomeryshire Canal from Welshpool to the main Midlands network 8b Re-opening of the 72% 10% 18% 55% 8% 37% Montgomeryshire Canal from Welshpool to Newtown 8c A nature reserve alongside 65% 16% 19% 60% 13% 27% the canal in Pool Quay and or the Belan to support the re- opening of the Canal
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9 Connection from Salop Road 63% 21% 16% 47% 15% 38% to Little Henfaes Drive via a new footbridge over the canal by the petrol filling station in Salop Road 10 Refurbishment of the 45% 29% 26% 30% 20% 50% Courtroom to provide an interactive attraction with grant aid 11 Refurbishment of the Motte 60% 20% 20% 33% 22% 45% and Bailey Castle including the Victoria Bowling Club and WLLR transfer docks with grant aid 12 Promotion of a street market 49% 26% 25% 55% 19% 26% (very limited at present) 13 Service delivery – protection 77% 6% 17% 44% 15% 41% of the youth service and youth club in Welshpool (take over the service from Powys County Council if under threat) 14 Service delivery – protection 84% 8% 8% 42% 21% 35% of the Library (take over the service from Powys County Council if under threat) 15 Service delivery – protection 88% 5% 7% 56% 9% 35% of the Town and local bus services serving Welshpool (take over from Powys County Council if under threat) 16 The preparation and delivery 82% 4% 14% 43% 7% 50% of an ‘access for all plan’ (for disabled and visually impaired access) 17 To remove trunk road 52% 10% 38% 21% 16% 63% (arterial) status of Salop Road and Berriew Street/Road and introduce trunk road status for Severn Street from the station to the Cross
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QUESTION ELEVEN Please indicate which Residential Polices you think are right to take forward during the life the plan 2017-2022) (Please tick one box for each project) Adult Youth No Policy Yes No Unsure Yes No Unsure 1 The Town Council will 68% 16% 16% 38% 6% 56% support development of sites for residential development identified in the Local Development Plan 2 The Town Council will 83% 3% 14% 66% 8% 26% support the development of sites for affordable housing 3 The Town Council will 70% 9% 21% 45% 5% 50% support the inclusion of affordable homes within private developments but only to a level where the site is viable
QUESTION TWELVE Please indicate which Industrial and Business Polices you think are right to take forward during the life the plan 2017-2022) (Please tick one box for each project) Adult Youth No Policy Yes No Unsure Yes No Unsure 1 The Town Council will 90% 5% 5% 35% 14% 51% support commercial and industrial uses on the existing industrial estates at Buttington Enterprise Park, Severn Farm and Henfaes Lane 2 The Town Council will resist 74% 4% 22% 34% 12% 54% any loss of industrial zoned land other than in exceptional circumstances 3 The Town Council will 83% 4% 13% 56% 4% 40% support the development of Mid Wales Airport in particular with regard to increased services and the Air Ambulance base.
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QUESTION THIRTEEN Please indicate which Town Centre Polices you think are right to take forward during the life the plan 2017-2022) (Please tick one box for each project) Adult Youth No Policy Yes No Unsure Yes No Unsure 1 The Town Council will 89% 2% 9% 72% 2% 26% support all uses for upper floors of premises in the shopping area and in particular uses which bring life to the Town Centre 2 The Town Council will 85% 3% 12% 39% 23% 38% when considering any application within the Town Centre will take into account the conservation area 3 The Town Council will 87% 7% 6% 40% 20% 40% only support a change of use from shop use in Broad Street where it can be clearly demonstrated that all efforts have been made to seek a retail tenant 4 The Town Council will 93% 2% 5% 61% 7% 32% seek grant aid and support from Powys County Council to improve the environment of the Town Centres main streets. 5 The Town Council will 89% 6% 5% 65% 8% 27% support shop uses in Berriew Street/Severn Street/Church Street and High Street but also other uses when shops become vacant 6 The Town Council will 68% 14% 18% 37% 13% 50% support a change of use from commercial to residential in the High Street and Mount Street areas
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7 The Town Council will 75% 15% 10% 60% 12% 28% consider existing restaurant/cafe uses when considering any new premises for such uses 8 The Town Council will 70% 13% 17% 67% 10% 23% support the development of a hotel/motel within the Town Centre. 9 Safer walking routes 86% 4% 10% 72% 9% 19% between the new schools (in particular Salop Road to the High School area) 10 The Town Council will 68% 27% 5% 33% 27% 40% oppose any further out of town retail development 11 The Town Council will 64% 27% 9% 52% 12% 36% support an extension to retail activity at Coed-y Dina and the Old Station.
QUESTION FOURTEEN Please indicate which Parking Polices you think are right to take forward during the life the plan 2017-2022) (Please tick one box for each project) Adult Youth No Policy Yes No Unsure Yes No Unsure 1 The Town Council supports 93% 2% 5% 56% 11% 33% the retention of all three main Powys County Council car parks at Church Street (both sides of the road), Berriew Street and Seven Stars Road 2 The Town Council supports 93% 2% 5% 78% 9% 13% the introduction of 1 hours free parking in all the Town’s car parks
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QUESTION FIFTEEN Please indicate which Tourism Polices you think are right to take forward during the life the plan 2017-2022) (Please tick one box for each project) Adult Youth No Policy Yes No Unsure Yes No Unsure 1 The Town Council is 96% 2% 2% 58% 13% 29% committed to continuing to provide a Tourist Information Centre with the full service within Welshpool as the gateway to Wales 2 The Town Council will 95% 1% 4% 58% 11% 31% continue to promote tourism via the Visit Welshpool web site and through booklets, maps and events 3 The Town Council will 86% 3% 11% 49% 8% 43% work with all interested groups, the Welsh Government and other agencies to bring into effect the re-opening of the Montgomeryshire Canal along its full length 4 The Town Council will 97% 1% 2% 68% 11% 21% support the provision of public toilets within the Town Centre for both tourists and local residents alike 5 The Town Council will 87% 3% 10% 65% 6% 29% support safe cycling routes along with producing maps and information to support this
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QUESTION SIXTEEN Please indicate which General Polices you think are right to take forward during the life the plan 2017-2022) (Please tick one box for each project) Adult Youth No Policy Yes No Unsure Yes No Unsure 1 The Town Council will use 99% 0% 1% 73% 4% 23% all reasonable endeavours to ensure that the town and its streets are kept tidy, litter free as well as keeping verges and hedges tidy 2 The Town Council will 95% 3% 2% 69% 10% 21% support any actions to reduce alcohol drinking on the streets (except outside the existing pubs) 3 The Town Council supports 92% 3% 5% 67% 9% 24% the opening of the Welshpool Re-cycling Centre 7 days a week 4 The Town Council supports 79% 7% 14% 53% 10% 37% the development of a waste incineration in an appropriate location 5 The Town Council will work 95% 2% 3% 76% 4% 20% with the Local Police in actions to tackle anti-social behaviour including provision of a CCTV system 6 The Town Council will 98% 2% 0% 70% 9% 21% support the provision of all levels of care locally including support for the local hospital 7 The Town Council will 98% 1% 1% 71% 9% 20% support the provision of as many services as possible locally and emergency care. 8 The Town Council will 79% 9% 12% 55% 9% 36% support the introduction of parking permits schemes for residents within Welshpool with residents support.
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QUESTION SEVENTEEN Please indicate which Leisure Polices you think are right to take forward during the life the plan 2017-2022) (Please tick one box for each project) Adult Youth No Policy Yes No Unsure Yes No Unsure 1 The Town Council will 90% 3% 7% 58% 10% 32% support play provision within the Town in each ward through the provision of playgrounds and open spaces 2 The Town Council will seek 80% 7% 13% 50% 16% 34% to achieve through the planning system at least 6 acres of open space for each 1,000 (or part thereof ) of population 3 The Town Council will seek 76% 13% 11% 44% 17% 39% to provide extra allotment space as evidenced by demand 4 The Town Council will 78% 4% 18% 53% 19% 28% support a range of events agreed by the Town Council in November of each year
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QUESTION EIGHTEEN Please indicate which Access for all Polices you think are right to take forward during the life the plan 2017-2022) (Please tick one box for each project) Adult Youth No Policy Yes No Unsure Yes No Unsure 1 The Town Council will 66% 11% 23% 51% 19% 30% seek a solution to the parking on the pavement issue at the Catholic Church in Mount Street 2 The Town Council will 84% 5% 11% 59% 13% 28% support any improvements in provision for wheelchair uses along with prams and pushchairs around Town 3 The Town Council will 83% 6% 11% 68% 7% 25% support schemes which give better access for the disabled into shops, banks etc. 4 To seek to ensure that all 95% 1% 4% 51% 15% 34% dropped kerbs in Welshpool are accessed level from the road surfaces 5 The Town Council will take 89% 3% 8% 54% 6% 40% forward a scheme of improvement for the visually impaired including colour coding street furniture and the creation of clear pathways (free of obstructions)
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QUESTION NINETEEN Please indicate which The Belan and Pool Quay Polices you think are right to take forward during the life the plan 2017-2022) (Please tick one box for each project) Adult Youth No Policy Yes No Unsure Yes No Unsure 1 The Council will keep 84% 3% 13% 47% 19% 34% under review the speed limits on the A458 though the Belan and Pool Quay 2 The Town Council will 93% 2% 5% 67% 9% 24% seek to provide and maintain bus shelters at designated points at both communities and keep them in good order 3 The Town Council will 93% 2% 5% 66% 7% 27% visit each area quarterly and carry out any repairs or street cleaning required following such visits
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APPENDIX D
Town plan Policy elements
The Policies set out in D1 to D17 are to be adopted by the Town Council:
D1 Town Centre Policy The adopted Policies for the Town Centre are:
Policy D1.1 Upper floors The Town Council will support all uses for upper floors of premises in the shopping zone and in particular will support uses which bring life to the Town Centre.
Policy D1.2 Conservation areas The Town Council will, when considering any application within the Town Centre zone, take into account the Conservation Area status.
Policy D1.3 Town Centre support The Town Council will review the markets and their contribution to the shopping areas of the town.
D2 Shopping Policy The adopted Policies for the Town Centre are:
Policy D2.1b Broad Street The Town Council will only support shopping uses in the main shopping street and will only consider a change to use A2 (business and professional) if all efforts have been made by the applicant/owner to find a retail A1 tenant.
Policy D2.1a Broad Street The Town council is to seek grant aid to implement a scheme of improvements and to support Powys County Council is gaining improvements to the main shopping street.
Policy D2.2 High Street The Town Council will support A1 uses where they are requested but will also support change of use to residential in the area from Jehu Road to Mount Street.
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Policy D2.3 Mount Street and Raven Street The Town Council will support A1 uses where they are requested but will also support change of use to residential.
Policy D2.4 Church Street The Town Council will seek to support all use class A uses in this street.
Policy D2.5 Berriew Street The Town Council will complete a review each year of the ‘state of Berriew Street’. The Town Council will support A1 or A2 uses in this street and will consider other alternative uses if it is felt this is desirable at the time.
Policy D2.6 Severn Street The Town Council will support both A1 and A2 uses along with residential conversions in this street from the Cross to the Canal Bridge.
Policy D2.7 Other shops (Brook Street & Jehu Road) The Town Council will support the retention of retail and commercial uses in these streets but will also support change of use to residential.
Policy D2.8 Restaurant and takeaway food premises The Town Council will take into account the effect of any application for changes of use to restaurant, café or takeaway uses upon existing outlets when considering such applications.
Policy D2.10 Hotel or Motel The Town Council will support the provision of a hotel or motel on a suitable site in the Town Centre area.
Policy D2.11 Access to business premises The Town Council will encourage all retail shops to have access for all including wheelchair provision.
Policy D2.12 Shopping outlets The Town Council will support new companies wishing to take a retail unit in Welshpool, particularly uses which bring forward choice in clothing and sport.
Policy D2.12 Town Hall ground floor space The Town Council will seek to gain retail uses to the front area of the Town Hall if and when the market moves. Also to seek other uses for the remaining space this may include Town Council Offices and retail uses.
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Policy D2.13 Wi Fi The Town Council will support the introduction of Wi Fi to those using Welshpool as their shopping centre.
D3 Residential Policy The adopted Policies for residential development are:
Policy D3.1 The Town Council will support development of those residential sites allocated on the Local Development Plan as shown on the plan attached to this document.
Policy D3.2 The Town Council will seek to support the provision of affordable housing but only to a level which makes any development scheme viable and able to be taken forward.
Policy D3.3 The Town Council will review its residential policies annually taking into account pressure on housing and market conditions.
D4 Industrial and Commercial Policy The adopted Policies for industrial and commercial development are:
Policy D4.1 The Town Council will support employment uses on the Severn Farm, Henfaes and Buttington Enterprise Park sites.
Policy D4.2 Alternative uses The Town Council will resist any loss of industrial or commercial land or buildings in Welshpool unless there are exception circumstances.
Policy D4.3 Access for all The Town Council will encourage all business premises to have access for all including wheelchair provision.
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D5 Out of Town Shopping The adopted Policies for out of town shopping are:
Policy D5.1 The Town Council will object and resist any retail development which is not located within the shopping zone set out in the plan at Appendix E (coloured orange).
D6 Markets The adopted Policies for markets are:
Policy D4.1 Location of the Town Markets The Council will seek to review the markets to seek the best way forward to protect this important element of the Town.
Policy D4.4 Markets The Town Council supports the provision of a market in the Town.
Policy D4.3 Street Market The Town Council will continue to support a Monday street market and will do what is can to improve and sustain these markets working with the Market Traders.
Policy D4.3 The Town Council will support continental street markets and the Winter Festival Markets held in Broad Street.
D7 Main Line Rail Policy The Transport Plan Policies are:
D7.1 Improved Rail Services Welshpool Town Council was extensively involved in the Survey of the Cambrian Lines in October 2014 by the Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth Rail Liaison Committee. Welshpool Town Council accepts the findings of the survey published by the Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth Rail Liaison Committee in November 2014. The Town Council is in full support of the improved rail services implemented in May 2015 comprising 8 extra rail journeys on the main Cambrian Line from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth.
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D7.2 Franchise 2018 The Town Council is in full support of an extension of the improved rail service within the next franchise to lead to a provision of a full hourly service on the main Cambrian Line.
D7.3 Station improvements There is a need for further station improvements as follows: i) A further new waiting shelter ii) Disabled lift provision. iii) Further station enhancements to improve the station environment. The Council will support the Welsh Government and the rail companies in gaining such provision.
D7.4 Marketing of improved rail service The Town Council will provide support in the local area to publicise and promote the new rail services through newsletters, web site and local media.
D8 Local and National Bus Policy
D8.1 Threats to services The budget restraints to bus services within Powys need to be considered against need and alternative routes of other bus services. The Town Council will only consider supporting bus service reductions where there is alternative public transport.
D8.2 Integration of bus services The Council supports any imitative which integrates the bus services with the rail services. This will include a bus stop clearly marked close to the main line station or if possible within the station/Old Station complex.
D8.3 Service delivery of Local Buses The delivery of local bus services needs to be measured against the needs of the local population with particular regard to:
i) Links with main line rail services ii) The re-routeing of the local town bus service so that it actually calls at the railway station, at times which will integrate with trains. iv) Commuter transport needs
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iv) Offering a service to all areas leading to a central point for onwards travel v) The retention of free Senior Citizen Bus Passes for off peak travel vi) Services to Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals.
D8.4 Plus Bus Facility The Council will support any initiative towards the inclusion of the "Plusbus" facility on rail tickets with Welshpool as a destination.
D8.5 Central Bus point The Town Council has identified the location of a central bus point since 2008. The central bus point should allow for all bus services to arrive and leave from a central point as well as keeping the existing bus stops in place.
D8.6 National Express The Town Council will continue to support the provision of the National Express Bus stop opposite the Tourist Information Centre.
D8.7 Visiting coaches The new central bus point should accommodate visiting coaches to some extent. However the coach bays in the Church Street car park should be retained for this purpose.
D8.8 Information boards The Town Council has adopted a Policy of providing bus stop information boards showing what buses go to where and when. The information boards are to be updated as needed following the annual review of the plan.
D8.9 Bus stops and shelters The Town Council will seek the provision of more bus shelters to all Town Centre and rural bus stops as funding allows.
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D9 Taxi provision
D9.1 Taxi Office The Welshpool Town Centre Plan 2008 sought to provide a Taxi Office for the Town and this has been provided next to the Tourist Information Centre and the policy is to retain this facility.
D9.2 Taxi Ranks The Town Council supports the location of a Taxi Rank in the Town Centre where people can access a licensed taxi from that point.
D10 Community Transport
D10.1 Current Community Transport Scheme The current Community Transport Scheme has been in operation for over a decade. A system of funding tokens to those people who meet the criteria is used. There are 180 places available on the scheme. This service covers approx 10 miles around Welshpool. The Town Council will seek to support the retention of this scheme.
D10.2 North Montgomeryshire Volunteer Bureau This group has a band of volunteer drivers who can provide Community Transport and the charges a set amount per mile. This service covers a wider area including hospitals etc. The Town Council will seek to support the retention of this scheme.
D10.3 Centralisation Community Transport The Town Council is aware of the possible centralisation of Community Transport which would be funded centrally. (Welsh Government) The Town Council is also aware of the work currently being completed in the preparation of a Community Transport Plan. (Powys County Council) The Town Council will seek to support the retention of Community Transport Schemes either centrally or individually.
D11 Car parking
D11.1 Car Parking locations The Town Council supports the retention of the three main car parks and the street parking provision as per the plan at appendix J. The Church Street Car Park is considered to be the prime car park for the Town.
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D11.2 Car parking charges The Town Council supports the introduction of limited time free parking as a minimum.
D11.3 Electric cars The Town Council actively support the provision of electric charging points in the Town Centre close to the Tourist Information Centre location.
D12 Tourist Information (Visit Welshpool)
D12.1 Tourist information The Town Council is committed to providing a full tourist information service within Welshpool which forms the gateway to Wales. This will include the delivery of local information, rail and coach tickets along with the services usually expected from a full tourist information office.
D13 Airport
D13.1 Development of airport services The Town Council will support the development of the Mid Wales Airport in Welshpool with regard to increased services both to private hire and to the Air Ambulance.
D14 Canal
D14.1 The Town Council will actively support the re-opening of the Montgomeryshire Canal into Shropshire and through the West Midlands. The Town Council will also support canal uses including boat trips and canal side uses. (see other parts of the plan)
D14.2 Connection of canal to mainland network The Town Council will actively support through its own efforts, working with others including the Welsh and National Governments and by supporting all organisations working towards the re-opening of the Montgomeryshire Canal through to Welshpool and Newtown from Shropshire.
D14.3 Reserves to support re-opening of the Canal The Town Council will actively seek areas for new nature reserves needed to enable the full re-opening of the Montgomery Canal. Pool Quay is to be the preferred area for such a facility.
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D14.4 Canal side uses The Town Council will support appropriate canal side uses which not only provide a more attractive environment today but also those who are developed in readiness for the re-opening of the canal as described in 14.01. Such uses could include the creation of a boat hire business (and ancillary activities) in the area around the Powysland Museum and the adjacent Canal basin which could provide boats available for the public to hire by the day, half day or longer
D14.5 Canal side development Any development carried out along or close to the Montgomery Canal hall be done in a sympathetic manner and in keeping with the canal’s character.
D15 Road and Traffic Policy
D15.1 One Way System in general The Town Council generally supports the one way system introduced in Welshpool (Survey in June 2012 showed 40% in favour as the system is rising to over 70% with minor alterations).
D15.2 One Way System improvements The Town Council will do all it can to improve the gyratory system in discussion with the Trunk Road Agency taking into account the needs of the motorist, pedestrians and business. To that end a plan has been agreed as set out at appendix F.
D15.3 Brook Street/Union Street The Town Council will consider fully the returning of Brook Street to two way traffic if and when plans are available.
D15.4 Pedestrian Crossing Point outside the Town Hall The Town Council will support the provision of a suitable crossing point for pedestrians to be located outside the Town Hall.
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D16 Town Centre facilities Policy
D16.1 Toilet provision The Town Council will support the provision of free public toilets within the Town Centre to support tourism and to attract visitors to the Town Centre as well as providing for the local community.
D16.2 Street cleanliness The Town Council will use all reasonable endeavours to ensure that the town and its streets are kept clean and tidy including verges and open spaces.
D17 Other Town Plan Policies
D17.1 County Council Offices Severn Street The Town Council will support the retention of this listed building and will seek uses (if Powys County Council ever vacates) which do not affect the Town Centre but provide new facilities not at present in supply. (i.e. Hotel or conference use).
D17.2 Windfall Sites The Town Council will consider those sites with no designation in the Local Development Plan or Welshpool Town Plan on a case by case basis.
In particular the following sites are noted:
Ardwyn School Site The Town Council acknowledges that the buildings are listed and will consider any reasonable proposal.
Gungrog School Site The Town Council will support residential development on the Gungrog Road frontage and car parking for the Doctors Surgery on the part of the site fronting Salop Road.
Oldford School Site The Town Council will support residential development on this site.
D17.3 Potters recycling (by the Main Line Station) The Council supports the provision of recycling facilities including the incinerator proposed as approved by Powys County Council.
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D17.4 Section 106 agreements The Town Council will seek that any section 106 or planning agreements are proportionate and which not only gain public benefit but also encourage development.
D17.5 Motte and Bailey and Railway Docks The Town Council will seek to improve and develop the Motte and Bailey, Crown Bowling Green and Railway Docks working with CADW.
D18 Pool Quay
D18.1 Litter Bins The Town Council will provide litter bins as needed.
D18.2 Bus Shelters The Town Council will support the provision of bus shelters and the maintenance of existing bus shelters at designated bus stopping points.
D19 The Belan
D19.1 Review of speed limit The Town Council will keep under review of the speed limits on the A458 through The Belan.
D19.2 Litter Bins The Town Council will provide litter bins as needed.
D19.3 Bus Shelters The Town Council will support the provision of bus shelters and the maintenance of existing bus shelters at designated bus stopping points.
D20 Flood Plains
Policy D20.1 The Town Council will oppose all development of buildings which are proposed in a flood plain area as noted on the Environment Agency Flood Plains Plan unless there are special circumstances.
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D21 Renewable Energy
Policy D21.1 The Town Council will object to TAN8 at all levels on the basis that the guidance is flawed.
Policy D21.2 The Town Council will consider carefully applications for wind farms or solar panel farms in Montgomeryshire which would lead to a pylon line as set out in policy D21.3 to seek the best for the area.
Policy D21.3 The Town Council will object to any power transmission lines (either via 132kv or 400kv pylon lines).
Policy D21.4 The Town Council will object to any large scale electricity hub or substation to support the wind farm or solar power farm developments in Montgomeryshire where it is obtrusive or out of character for its location.
Policy D21.5 The Town Council will support local Town and Community Councils in their objections to the wind farms, transmission lines and hub in Montgomeryshire subject to policies D21 (1-4).
D22 Other specific policies
D22.1 CCTV and anti-social behaviour The Town Council will support a CCTV system in the Town Centre and work with the Police in any actions which tackle anti-social behaviour.
D22.2 Drinking Order The Town Council will support any actions which will restrict the drinking of alcohol on the streets and in public places.
D22.3 Keep Welshpool Tidy Week The Town Council will host a Keep Welshpool Tidy Week each year in March.
D22.4 Cycle Routes in Welshpool The Town Council will support the provision of further safe cycle routes throughout the Town.
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D22.4 Playgrounds The Town Council will continue to support play provision in the Town ensuring that the playgrounds and open play spaces are well maintained.
D22.5 Open Spaces The Town Council will seek to achieve through the planning and other processes a level of 6 acres of open space to every 1,000 (or part thereof) population.
D22.6 Tourist Attraction for Town Centre The Town Council will seek to secure a Town Centre tourist attraction when the opportunity arises and funding is available.
D22.7 Allotments The Town Council consider further allotment space as evidenced by demand.
D22.8 Tourism Publicity The Town Council will continue to provide paper based and web based material for tourists including a visitors map, events list and Visit Welshpool web site. Publicity for the Tourist Information Centre to be included.
D22.9 Youth Council The Town Council will continue to consult the youth of the Town via the Welshpool Town Council Youth Council which is to meet at least by monthly at Welshpool High School.
D22.10 Charter with Powys County Council. The Town Council will work with Powys County Council through the Charter dated June 2014 and as reviewed between the parties.
D22.11 Events in Welshpool The Town Council will support a range of events in the Town as agreed by the Council in November of each year for the following year.
D22.12 Protection of services The Town Council will seek to protect all public services in the Town. This will be on a case by case basis and subject to financial viability including value for money.
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D22.13 Health The Town Council will seek to support the provision of all levels of care locally and to liaise with the Welsh Government over the recommendations in the Mid Wales Health Study (in particular the Shrewsbury, Telford and Gobowen areas).
D23. Access for all
D23.1 General The Town Council will support any reasonable provision which helps wheelchair users and those with small children in prams and pushchairs.
D23.2 Catholic Church Mount Street The Town Council will seek a solution to the parking issues at the Catholic Church area to ensure clear pavements.
D23.3 Dropped kerbs To support the provision of dropped kerbs level with the road surface to aid wheelchair use.
D23.4 Visually impaired The Town Council will support taking forward provision to aid the visually impaired by colour coding street furniture and ensuring wherever possible clearways for wheelchairs and prams without obstructions.
D23.5 Access for all supplemental plans The Town Council will prepare an access for all statement and supplemental plan for Welshpool.
D23.6 Commercial and Retail Premises A policy has been provided under the appropriate headings of this plan supporting the provision of access for all too all commercial and retail premises.
D23.7 Changing Places Facility The Town Council will endeavour to provide during the life of the plan a ‘changing places facility’ for the severely disabled.
D24. Policies for Young People
D24.1 General The Youth in general are not too far away from the adult views expressed. Where there are differences of note the policy has been adjusted to reflect this.
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D24.2 Youth Council The Town Council will continue to host a Youth Council to advise the Council on matters which affect young people within the town.
D24.3 Playgrounds To continue to maintain 6 playgrounds (including a renewal programme for equipment) within the Town being Maes y Dre, Brookfield Road (2 no), Country Park, Dol Y Felin and Little Henfaes Drive.
D24.4 Skateboard Park To maintain a skateboard Park at Maes Y Dre and seeking to upgrade this facility.
D24.5 Youth Service The Town Council to support the Youth Service Provision in Welshpool and to aid securing its future including the Youth Club.
D24.6 Attractions for Young People The Town Council will support activities in the Town which give a wider range and choice of activities for younger people.
D24.7 Cinema and Entertainment. The Town Council will continue to host Flicks in the Sticks (subject to the Welsh Government Funding scheme being available) and would encourage a cinema to return to Welshpool if such an opportunity arises.
D25. Language Policies
D25.1 Equality of language The Council recognises the need to recognise both Welsh and English as equal first languages but also recognises the location of Welshpool as a border Town.
D25.2 Welsh Language Policy To provide signage in both Welsh and English when they are being replaced or provided new. To provide all material published in Welsh upon request.
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APPENDIX E
One Way System Review Updated August 2017 This schedule is the list of changes, alterations and observations on the above including a note of what has happened with each item. Ref Location Item Current status 1 All pavements around the system Remove two posts to support Completed. signs blocking disabled access 2 Opening of the system Delay opening of the system Ignored, opened until Smithfield Road re-opened anyway.
Hold The Cross Traffic Lights on Completed. manual control for 2 weeks when system comes in 3 Tourist Signage Include 'Market Town' on the Completed. Tourist signs 4 Road sign in new road (Church St Change A road names as they Completed. Car Park) are wrong. 5 Traffic light timings Alter traffic light timings to Completed. allow for pedestrian crossing. 6 Parking signage Include P signs on all signs Completed. leading to car parks. 7 TIC signage Include TIC and toilets signage. Completed. 8 Traffic island Jehu Road/High Enlarge traffic island to help Completed Street pedestrians cross and remove parking to allow lorries through. 9 The Cross No Entry Signs No entry signs at the Cross are Relocated but still not not clear. very clear. 10 Road area by the SPAR Yellow box junction required. Completed
A review of pedestrian crossing Part of review. arrangements. 11 Road area by entrance to Berriew Yellow box junction required. Completed. Street car park 12 Crossing point by Town Hall Pelican or Puffin crossing linked Still awaited. to the Cross Traffic Lights. 13 Traffic order for parking Surveys and plans completed. Completed. Order to allow alterations to system and yellow line review. 14 Dropped kerbs All dropped kerbs need to be Completed. level between pavement and road. 15 Red Bank/Church Bank junction Provide clear no entry signs at Completed. the top of Church Bank. 16 Junction Severn Stars Road/Union Alter junction to make it clear Completed. Street that you need to turn right out Kerbs would be better of road. if re-aligned.
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17 Parking in main Broad Street Control the parking of cars in Still not happening, a the main two lanes in Broad PCC and Police control Street. issue. 18 Signage at Bypass roundabout Town Centre and car park Completed. signage needed at Smithfield Road entrance off roundabout. 19 Signage at Tesco roundabout Sign to Town Centre and car Completed. parks missing at this point. 20 Church Street Car Park Lorries Allow Lorries to come back to Completed main car park - PCC asked them all to go to Berriew Street car park -they stopped coming. 21 Church Street Car Park Coaches Allow Coaches to come back to Completed main car park - PCC asked them all to go to Berriew Street car park -they stopped coming. 22 National Express bus stop Move bus stop back to Church Completed. Street by TIC. 23 Signage to Church Street car park Provide clear signage to Church Completed Street Car Park for Coaches and Lorries. 24 Brook Street two way traffic Brining Brook Street and Union Part of review. Street back to two way traffic.
R A Robinson Town Clerk September 2017
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APPENDIX F
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STRATEGIC OVERALL PLAN OBJECTIVES – RESULTS 2008-2017
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APPENDIX G
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APPENDIX H TOWN CENTRE PLANNING DETAIL
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APPENDIX J TOWN CENTRE PARKING PLAN
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APPENDIX K
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