Montgomery Development Proposal Faces Opposition Over Traffic Concerns

Concerns are mounting over a proposed development of 54 homes in Montgomery, Powys, after local officials raised issues regarding potential traffic congestion and the impact on the historic Montgomery Castle views. The application, submitted by Powis Estates to the Powys County Council, includes plans for a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom semi-detached and detached houses, with 11 designated as affordable housing.

The outline planning application, which was filed in March 2024, seeks to establish the principle of the development on land adjacent to Verlon Close on Forden Road. However, as an outline application, it will require a detailed planning submission for further approval before construction can proceed.

Montgomery Town Council has formally objected to the proposal, citing several critical issues that they believe remain inadequately addressed. In their objection, the council stated, “The council has serious concerns about the ability of Montgomery’s existing infrastructure to support a development of this scale.”

Local officials highlighted that the existing parking situation in Montgomery is already restricted, which they believe would exacerbate traffic and accessibility problems. Additionally, the primary school in the area is at capacity, and local GP practices are reportedly under significant strain. The council stressed that “adequate infrastructure must be in place to encourage non-car travel and support a more sustainable development approach.”

Another key concern is the proximity of the proposed site to Montgomery Castle, which is positioned on a hill south of the development area. The council expressed apprehension about how the new housing could impact the setting of this historic landmark, stating, “The council is extremely concerned about the impact on the setting of the castle and views from the castle.”

Cllr Jeremy Brignell-Thorp, the Powys County councillor for Forden and Montgomery and a member of the Green Party, has requested that the planning application be “called in” for a decision by the county councillors on the Planning Committee. He remarked, “Congestion and heavy traffic is a perennial problem in the town, and the incremental construction of additional housing has made this worse. We would strongly oppose the development unless it is accompanied by a link road, connecting Forden Road and Station Road, as stipulated in the Local Development Plan, or some other equivalent improvement to this junction.”

In response to the council’s concerns, planning agent Oliver O’Neill of Hughes Architects outlined the development’s design in a statement. He noted, “The proposed development has been thoughtfully designed to complement and enhance the character of the surrounding area.” O’Neill emphasized that any future detailed applications would adhere to local architectural styles, incorporating suitable materials and features.

O’Neill also referenced a traffic assessment included in the application, which he claimed “confirms” that the development would not adversely affect the town’s current road infrastructure. He stated, “The study found that the new link road required in the Local Development Plan is not necessary to facilitate the development. Traffic generated by the 54 units falls within the normal range of day-to-day variations and will not cause noticeable changes in activity or increased conflict.”

The decision on this planning application is expected to be made shortly, as local officials and residents await clarity on the future of this development in historic Montgomery.