Network Rail objects to housing estate near Abermule level-crossing

NETWORK Rail has objected to plans for a new housing estate at Abermule near Newtown as it would cause a safety risk at a nearby level crossing.

Tim Edwards of Wrexham-based TRE developments have lodged an outline planning application with Powys County Council to build 53 dwellings including 11 affordable homes at land to the “rear” of The Meadows in the village.

Network Rail had initially raised a “holding objection” against the proposal which is near the railway line and a level crossing to allow them to look at the plans in more detail.

But now they go a step further.

Network Rail Wales and Western town planning technician, Grace Lewis said: “Network Rail objects on the basis that the proposed development will cause additional risk to safety at level crossings.

“The application also includes the use of Network Rail land, specifically a layby on the access road to the development which has not been approved by, nor is supported by Network Rail.”

The level crossing known as Abermule Old Station is a public highway automatic half barrier crossing located next to the development site.

At this location 24 trains pass by every day at speeds of up to 80mph.

Ms Lewis said: “Level crossings represent a significant risk on the railway, often dependent on humans performing reliably and behaving responsibly.

“Network Rail continually seek for solutions that eliminate or reduce the risk which here include collision on or near the crossing.

Ms Lewis adds that if the development were approved there would also be more “near misses” which could also cause delays to railway services.

To get around the objection the applicants would need to make highways improvements to the road access from the site.

In the documents submitted to support the new proposal by TRE
Developments planning agent Dafydd Edwards of Blueprint Architectural Services says they have “benefited” by learning lessons on what went wrong with a previous application.

Two years ago plans for 32 homes at the site by the company were rejected by council planners.

Mr Edwards said: “The reasons outlined in the refusal notice for application were affordable homes, density of development and highways concerns.
“Having held detailed discussions with the local authority following the refusal notice it was determined an increase of units would be supported.

“Th application site is an undeveloped grassed area, and the development will comprise of 53 units in total, this is in line with the policy in terms of density 27 plus (units) per hectare.

“The site comprises of 11 affordable units and will assist the authority in ensuring the development accords with affordable housing policy.”

Powys County Councillor for Dolforwyn which includes Abermule, Cllr Gareth Pugh has said he wants to “call in” the application to be decided by the council’s planning committee.