Welshpool Town CouncilFC281026/9.3 - Condition and Appearance of Properties
This was a decision taken on 28/10/2026 by Full Council numbered WTCM960.
Status: In progress
Vote Type: Standard
Proposer: Cllr Morag Bailey
Seconder: Cllr Alison Davies
Decision:
The Town Clerk presented a report concerning the condition and appearance of properties within the town, particularly those which had fallen into disrepair and were having a detrimental effect on the appearance of the town centre.
The report outlined the responsibilities of property owners and the statutory powers available to Powys County Council where buildings were considered dangerous or their condition was adversely affecting the surrounding area.
Members expressed concern about several properties which had remained in poor condition for some time and the impact this was having on the appearance of the town. It was felt that more should be done to encourage owners to maintain their properties and address outstanding issues.
Particular concern was raised about the safety of some buildings, including the potential for falling masonry and problems associated with pigeons entering vacant or deteriorating premises.
The Town Clerk explained that concerns about potentially dangerous buildings had previously been referred to Powys County Council, which had undertaken inspections and, where necessary, required owners to carry out works.
Reference was made to the collapse of Bethel Chapel in Newtown, with members stressing the importance of identifying and addressing potential risks before they became more serious.
Members also discussed the powers available to local authorities in relation to long-term vacant residential properties. It was acknowledged that such powers should be used appropriately, but that intervention may be necessary where owners had failed to address longstanding problems.
It was suggested that the Council should take a more coordinated approach to identifying properties requiring attention, including working with Powys County Council and contacting property owners where appropriate.
A further proposal was made concerning the operation of a shopfront improvement scheme via Transforming Towns which the Town Council could operate.
RESOLVED
To note the concerns raised regarding the condition and apperance of properties within the Town Centre;
To ask that the Place Plan Working Group urgently identify commerical premises in the town centre whos external apperance would benefit from attention;
To authorise officers to write to property owners encouraging improvements to the external appearance of their buildings;
To ask the Town Clerk to write to Powys County Council seeking clarification of its approach to enforcing the relevant provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and Building Act 1984, and requesting consideration of enforcement action where appropriate; and
To agree to administer a Transforming Towns Shopfront Scheme for Welshpool.
Accompanying Documents: