Public inquiry to be held into Newtown bypass

Objections to the planned Newtown bypass have triggered a public inquiry, the Welsh Government has confirmed today.

The inquiry is likely to be held over three weeks in June and will means work on the 5.8km road could be delayed slightly pending the outcome of the inquiry.

The Welsh Government has confirmed that objections include a submission of an alternative route to the preferred one.

It would take traffic through the existing Mochdre Industrial Estate and on to the main A489 at the college roundabout instead of through the Glandulais Caravan Park.

"Following receipt of objections and representations to these proposals, a Public Local Inquiry is to be held before an independent inspector," states a Welsh Government letter.

"While the inquiry will be in connection with the Welsh Government's proposals, the inspector will consider any suggested alternative proposals put forward."

Montgomeryshire AM Russell George and MP, Glyn Davies, had both urged people to comment on the proposals earlier this year.

But they said the proposed route put forward by objectors is a viable route.

“The news that the Welsh Government intends to hold a public inquiry on the proposed Newtown Bypass is not unexpected, and this is due process," said Mr George.
  
“Major infrastructure projects such as these very rarely proceed without a public inquiry and the timescale for the construction of the bypass had already allowed for such an inquiry to occur.
  
“I am grateful to many local people for engaging with the process and submitting their views earlier this year. I believe that contributions from residents have been significant in ensuring that the inquiry will be limited to three weeks.
 
“My understanding is that there will be a short inquiry in Newtown at the end of June which will last approximately 3 weeks, so that there is an opportunity for all supporters’ and objectors’ views to be heard and considered.

Both Mr George and Glyn Davies, MP for Montgomeryshire, have been committed supporters of the project for many years.

Glyn Davies, who had a key meeting with the previous Welsh Minister for Transport added: “I met with the previous Minister for Transport and the timetable for the bypass has largely remained on track.

“The Newtown bypass scheme will be hugely important to the economy of Mid Wales, it will address congestion issues, improve safety and improve response times for our Emergency Services.”
 
“I am of the opinion that the present scheme is the best option for the bypass, and this also remains the view of the Welsh Government and Alun Griffiths contractors. 
 
“I understand that objectors to the proposed route for the bypass have put forward an alternative route which would proceed through the existing road through Mochdre Industrial Estate. Clearly, the Welsh Government have an obligation to investigate this suggestion.”

Russell George agreed and added: “I don’t feel that the alternative route put forward by some of the objectors is a viable route which, if chosen, would see a number of commercial units facing demolition, and clearly I’m concerned about businesses and staff who may have to relocate out of the area.
 
“The proposed alternative route by the objectors is similar to an original option that was proposed some years ago, and that was firmly rejected by the wider public.
  
“I have met with a number of people who object to the current route, and in some instances, I believe that those affected have very legitimate concerns. I believe there are alterations which could be made, and these will be presented at the inquiry. But I don’t believe that a route change through the Mochdre Industrial Estate is the answer."

Caption: The alternative route through the Mochdre Industrial Estate as proposed by objectors.