Plans to convert part of a car park in Welshpool to a bus station have been approved by Powys Council.

The plans to build a new transport interchange at Church Street beside Welshpool Tourist Information Centre ere submitted in October 2021, and have now been given the green light.

The proposal, which was submitted by Powys Council itself, includes changing the use of the southern section of the public pay-and-display car park into a bus station with four bays, and shelters beside them.

It also includes a new entrance for buses and heavy goods vehicles on Mill Street.

The proposal details various biodiversity and anti-pollution measures to ensure that the development can be constructed without any significant adverse impact on the environment around it.

As a result, the approval of the application comes with the stipulation that the work be carried out in accordance with measures outlined in the proposal that are designed to enhance biodiversity and prevent pollution.

Other requirements for the development stated in the proposal include maintaining traffic flow, visibility and adequate water drainage.

The decision to approve the proposal comes as welcome news to those who advocated for the plan when it was first submitted, as well as residents who have raised comments about the town’s public transport offer for many years.

Welshpool Mayor Councillor Alison Davies said: “This is the gateway to Wales. The bus station is between the train station and close to the centre of town it has its advantages for the town.

"We are very much aware of the importance of having a vibrant and relevant commercial centre in town centre; that has to be our focus."

The application read: "This location provides direct access into the centre of Welshpool, which is located in a strategic location both for north-south journeys within Wales but also east-west linking to Shrewsbury.

"The location was chosen through consultation with stakeholders to provide a bus and cycle interchange a short walk from the town centre, supermarkets, on a link route to the train station and opposite the town’s tourist information and toilets."

No date has been given yet for when construction will begin but it expected to get under way soon.