By Andrew Forgrave
Copyright dailypost
Tesla has revealed plans for a supercharging hub for EV cars on the A483 near Welshpool. If green-lighted, it would sit aside a fast food complex being developed at a “gateway to Mid Wales” site.
Twelve V4 fast chargers have been proposed next to a Costa drive-thru at Buttington roundabout. A Starbucks drive-thru and KFC restaurant are currently under construction on an adjacent site where a 40-bedroom hotel has also been consented.
Also on the roundabout is a thriving McDonald’s, petrol station and Morrisons Daily store – the latter with its own array of EV charging bays. The clusters are opposite Welshpool’s vast livestock market.
Tesla, one of the world’s most valuable companies, aims to plug a gap in the EV charging market, with rural counties like Powys traditionally a blackspot for electric vehicles. By creating a charging hub at Welshpool, it is hoped the facility will also open up EV travel to Ceredigion and southern Eryri National Park (Snowdonia).
In a supporting document, ELG Planning said: “The provision of EV charging facilities will boost the transition towards greater use of EVs. This is a key aim and objective of planning policy at local and national level, and the wider strategic objectives set by council and government policy.”
Retailers such as Greggs and Burger King also expressed interest in the development but pulled out. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community
The fast food hub was opposed by Welshpool Town Council amid concerns that passing traffic will ignore the town centre. Residents have already complained about extra littering and traffic congestion nearby.
But supporters point to the dozens of jobs that will be created. The KFC and Starbucks site is alone expected to attract 60 full and part-time jobs.
Its developers have committed to pay £20,000 towards improvements to the Montgomery Canal towpath between Welshpool town centre and the application site. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
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