Welshpool Poundland plans: Councillor brands loss 'terrible'

Councillor Graham Breeze, the independent Powys county councillor for the Welshpool Llanerchyddol ward, has called for the application to be considered by Powys County Council's planning committee rather than being decided by officers under delegated powers.

The move will allow members of the public to speak for or against the proposal before a decision is made.

The Poundland and Pep&Co store on Berriew Street, Welshpool. Plans have been submitted to convert the building into a 24-hour Snap Fitness gym, although Poundland says it has no immediate plans to close the store. (Image: Anwen Parry)

Plans submitted to the council seek permission to transform the Poundland and Pep&Co premises on Berriew Street into a Snap Fitness 24/7 gym.

The application proposes an open-plan gym floor, three exercise studios, changing facilities, showers, lockers, office space, and a reception area.

New illuminated signage would replace the existing Poundland and Pep&Co branding.

Opportunity for public voices to be heard

Speaking to the County Times, Cllr Breeze said he believed local people deserved the chance to have their say.

"I feel that the people of Welshpool deserve the opportunity to speak on this," he said.

"If it hadn't gone before a committee, it would have been dealt with by officers and people who wish to speak either for or against the application would not have had the opportunity.

"This gives them the ideal opportunity because there seems to be an awful lot of feeling against this application."

He added that he had been contacted by numerous residents worried about the potential loss of retail space in the town centre.

"We're in desperate need of retail facilities and I think it's really important that people have the opportunity to express their views."

'A terrible loss to Welshpool'

Cllr Breeze said he was disappointed to see the application come forward and questioned whether the building was suitable for a change of use.

"It was given planning permission years ago for retail use.

"It's a really vital part of the town's shopping centre," he said.

"There are very few premises of this kind now that people can reach within walking distance and I think this would be a terrible loss to Welshpool to lose this facility."

The plans have created confusion locally after Poundland said it had no immediate plans to close the store.

A spokesperson said: "The planning application, and their future intentions, are a matter for the landlord.

"We have no immediate plans to close the Welshpool store."

'A confusing situation'

Cllr Breeze said the retailer's statement had added to the uncertainty surrounding the application.

"I just don't understand that at all," he said.

"It seems a very confusing situation.

"But regardless of that, Poundland are only tenants.

"They may not have a need to leave, but the owners of the site clearly can ask them to leave.

"There is a real concern that we're going to lose this facility."

The application has been submitted by Bridgend-based Mango Planning & Development on behalf of Mr J Phillips of Manchester-based Glenbrook Triangle Ltd.

Planning documents indicate the proposal has been under development since at least May.

Residents urged to make views known

Cllr Breeze encouraged residents with strong opinions on the plans to formally engage with the planning process rather than simply discussing the issue on social media.

"Local people need to know that all the information is available on the Powys County Council website," he said.

"There's no good chattering on Facebook because that won't have any bearing at all.

"People who want to speak on this really need to register their interests so that they can make their feelings known."

While acknowledging the benefits a new gym could bring, Cllr Breeze questioned the need for another fitness facility.

"We already have several facilities of a gymnasium kind in the town," he said.

"Directly across the road we have one, so it's really disappointing to see this application going before the council."

If approved, the Snap Fitness site would be the chain's first location in Powys.

The company operates more than 100 gyms across the UK, including in Aberystwyth, Hereford, and South Wales.

The Poundland and Pep&Co store remains open while the application is considered.