The plans, which form a key part of the proposed Smithfield Livestock Market development, will be on display at the Corn Exchange on Monday, May 19, between 11am and 7pm.

Elected as Welshpool's new mayor on Wednesday night, Cllr Ann Holloway urged everyone to attend Monday's meeting although concern was expressed at the short notice being given.

"I am concerned this has suddenly appeared but I have been encouraged to get the people of the town to attend and have their say because it is no good complaining about it afterwards.

"I was assured there was no hidden agenda but it makes one a bit suspicious to say the least. Let's make the county council and the Welsh Assembly hear what we have to say as we know our own town best.

Cllr Holloway said: "Welshpool now faces an uncertain future when there are many changes effecting this lovely town. This will possibly be the last great change and we must get it right and not repeat the disaster of the 1960s when they took the heart out of Welshpool."

However other councillors also raised concerns over both the timing of the exhibition and the short notice at which it was being staged.

Cllr Shane Squibb questioned how many of the public would be able to get to the presentation within the times it is open on Monday.

Cllr John Corfield said: "Quite frankly I think it is disgraceful for a project of this magnitude that will effect Welshpool for the next 50 years to only give us this notice."

Meanwhile the developers behind the Smithfield proposal, J Ross Developments, say they understand the Welsh Assembly has signed off in the principle of the one way system and lifted the TAN 14 directive, enabling the relevant planning agreements to be signed.

A spokesman for the company said: "Clearly this is very positive and welcome news, which we have been waiting for since January of this year, there are still a number of smaller detailed issues that still need to be resolved with Powys County Council and we hope these can be resolved quickly.

"We are obviously keeping a watchful eye on the build costs increases that the project continues to be exposed to, due to the general inflationary pressures that are manifesting themselves in the UK and the more global economy. Therefore the sooner we can get on site and build the re-located market the better. "