Dual valley store bid divides local opinion
TWO supermarkets could be built on a one-mile stretch of road in the Swansea Valley.
Neath Port Talbot Council has granted outline planning permission for a supermarket to be built at the former Dewhurst factory site in Ystalyfera.
On the same day, Powys councillors gave the Assembly Government the power to decide whether Tesco should be allowed to build a store a mile up the road in Ystradgynlais.
The majority of Neath Port Talbot councillors were in favour of the Ystalyfera application, and head of planning Geoff White recommended the proposals for approval.
Ward member Alun Llewellyn spoke in support of the plans and the positive impact they would have on the local economy.
Addressing the planning committee as the local representative, he said: "I support the officer's report. I've considered it very carefully, discussing it with residents, businesses and community groups. There is support for the supermarket.
"Ystalyfera has declined as a shopping area. There used to be banks and a butchers, but they closed down, putting it at a disadvantage. Something needs to happen to change this for the economical development of Ystalyfera.
"Of the two sites, Ystalyfera is the better one."
The application seeks permission to build a store, with a petrol station, car park and two access roads.
At a public meeting in the town in October, residents raised concerns about the plans, including the impact on businesses and homes.
In support of the application, residents added that a new supermarket would bring much-needed jobs to the area and it would benefit most of the population.
However, Councillor Peter Richards branded the proposal a "disaster".
He said developing the site would prevent other industry moving into the area, when the economy started to pick up.
Referring the application in connection with Tesco's plans for Ystradgynlais, he said: "If these applications are both successful, it would prevent the surrounding communities from any future opportunity when Wales starts to recover from the recession. There will be no sites for industry whether it's manufacturing, hi-tech or distribution."
3 Comments
by Sarah, Cwmtwrch
Sunday, December 20 2009, 7:47PM
“How can 2 superstores in such close proximity be viable, especially with Tesco at Pontardawe less than 10 minutes away? And what will happen to all the existing local businesses, which will face loss of trade, closure and the loss of jobs? I also have to say that as someone who regularly shops at the Co-op at Gurnos, I have always found their food to be markedly better than Tesco¿s, and they have good offers all the time. Give it a chance! Also try using the local shops ¿ there are bargains and good quality items available, and personal, friendly service. Surely we want our local community to remain a busy, social, centre, with a good variety of shops and businesses, not a ghost town with boarded up shops. I can¿t see how this can happen if large superstores are allowed to open up in the immediate area.”
by bob, ystrad
Thursday, December 17 2009, 6:30PM
“totally agree. Bring on Tesco”
by julia, neath
Thursday, December 17 2009, 6:28PM
“Fantastic news!
Look at the emploment these two proposals will bring to the area. Well needed and great for the local communities who have lost major employers since the closure of Lucas - the Co-op has held the manopoly in Ystrad for far too long - their prices are astronomical and the food quality is poor, unlike Tesco.”