DOUBTS have emerged that controversial £4 million waste facility scheme earmarked for Abermule, might not be built after councillors refused to back it.

At the Full Council meeting on Friday, May 3, Corporate Director for Economy and Environment, Nigel Brinn, gave a comprehensive report of the scheme, including the recommendation that it’s time to go ahead.

But, a number of councillors attacked the proposals and pointed that the villagers, many of whom were at the meeting had steadfastly campaigned against it.

Recycling in North Powys is done at a facility on the Vastre Industrial Estate in Newtown and at Potters in Welshpool.

Mr Brinn stressed recycling needs had outgrown the facility on the Vastre.

And Ashley Collins, senior manager compliance waste and recycling, added that having their own facility in North Powys would help if there were issues with the Potters contract in future.

Councillors were told that a show of hands on what they thought of the project would be enough – but a concerted push for a meaningful vote happened.

Cllr Gary Price (Non-Aligned – Llandrindod North) pushed for the vote:  “We are entitled to put amendments to recommendations.

“The recommendation is to note the report and I wish to put an amendment to it, in line with the constitution."

It reads: "That council does not support the development of a North Powys Recycling Facility at the proposed Abermule Business Park.”

Council Chair Cllr David Meredith (Labour – Brecon St David Within) said: “It was to be debated and for the cabinet to take on board the comments.”

Cllr Price persisted: “Precedent has been set when the council has discussed issues we have been entitled to put the recommendations to the vote.

“Either we continue with that process or we totally disregard it and we say to the people of Powys, there’s no point in electing us here – just elect 10 members for the cabinet and they will do everything.”

Cllr Liams Fitzpatrick (Non-aligned – Talybont on Usk) seconded the proposal and said: “Councillors can express their wishes in the chamber before the cabinet makes a decision.”

“It’s entirely up to the cabinet how it takes our views, I understand that.”

Council solicitor Clive Pinney said:  “The members who have spoken so far, to a large part have spoken against and others have been silent.

“What is being suggested: is that you can’t accept silence as that you have a contrary view.

“I can see that point of view but Cllr Gareth (Pugh) said he was happy with a show of hands.”

Cllr Gareth Pugh, who (Conservative – Dolforwyn) represents Abermule answered hat he preferred a proper vote – and that he’d only agreed to the show of hands as it was better than nothing.

Cllr Pugh said: “I don’t get why you’re so scared of a vote, the cabinet is supposed to be taking the views of the members.”

A vote was agreed, but members of the Planning Committee were advised to leave the chamber as it took place.

This is in case the Planning Committee need to discuss future applications for the site.

The vote came back with eight supporting Cllr Price’s amendment – seven against and six abstentions.

Council Leader, Cllr Rosemarie Harris (Independent – Llangynidr) said: “Apart from the portfolio holder (Phyl Davies – Conservative – Blaen Hafren) – no other members of the cabinet have spoken today.”

Cllr Harris added that the comments as well as reports from planning committee, and looking at other sites would all be taken into consideration when cabinet meet to make a final decision.