Independent traders in Brecon have warned that proposals to revamp the town centre could damage their livelihoods, citing concerns about parking, deliveries, and a shift away from retail.

Powys County Council recently closed a public consultation on wide-ranging plans to transform the heart of Brecon, including pedestrianising key areas, introducing more greenery, and reshaping roads to prioritise walking and cycling. But several business owners on High Street and the Bulwark say the proposed changes risk making the town less accessible.

One of the most contentious aspects of the scheme is the removal of free roadside parking on High Street and the Bulwark, alongside a re-routing and narrowing of the carriageway.

Local traders say this could deter customers, especially those making quick visits or purchasing heavy items.

Chris Randall, from Bulwark House on the Bulwark, said the proposals could shift Brecon’s retail balance irreversibly.

“My big issue is access for customers. Are they going to be prepared to walk from a car park to where we are?” he said.

“If you want to pop into town for a pot of paint or buy a large product, there will be nowhere to park just outside the stores, so people just won’t bother coming in.”

Mr Randall added: “I think it will probably change the landscape of the town and we’ll end up with less of a mix than we have now—more cafes, fewer shops. The town is shifting towards hospitality, which will benefit some, but it’ll cripple the rest.”

Others say the plans fail to account for the day-to-day needs of independent businesses, especially when it comes to deliveries.

“I can’t see how these businesses are going to keep running,” said Mel Stephens of Welsh Delights on High Street.

“We don’t know if they’ve spoken to delivery companies. It’s just crazy this could go ahead.”

Brian Popsys, who runs Brecon Pet and Garden Centre on High Street, echoed those concerns, warning the changes could have long-term consequences for the high street.

“The proposed changes to make it look pretty and everything are great - everyone agrees the pavements need attention and we need to smarten up the town - but taking away convenient parking used mainly by locals is terrible for business,” he said.

“We do deliver a lot, but there’s a lot of people who pull up in their car and we load them up with all sorts of large sacks and products. That will not be possible with these changes, so they’ll go somewhere else to do their shopping.”

Mr Popsys said his experience elsewhere left him deeply sceptical.

“We had a shop in Tonypandy where they did the exact same thing,” he said.

“We had to shut within four months, and 22 other shops closed within six.”

His shop in Brecon, he added, is already preparing for the worst: “We’ve set a date of April next year to either sell the business or close it.”

Some traders also criticised the consultation process itself, which closed last month.

“The consultation documents all leaned towards the idea that this is happening anyway," said Mr Popsys.

"It’s demoralising - and criminal, frankly - that they won’t listen to common sense.”

In response, Powys County Council said the current plans build on feedback gathered during previous consultations in 2021 and 2022, which showed support for reducing traffic and improving the pedestrian experience.

A council spokesperson said: “The feedback from the 2022 consultation showed a strong support for the traffic restriction measures put in place during the Covid pandemic to be made permanent. There was also widespread agreement that the proposed improvements will add to the town centre’s character and culture, making it more enjoyable for residents and visitors.

“These plans focus on prioritising pedestrian experience, improving connections and biodiversity and creating safe, accessible public areas that enhance the unique qualities of the town.

“We are currently analysing the feedback from the latest consultation, which includes representation from the Chamber of Commerce and over 20 businesses in the town, as well as local residents.

The council said these views will be used to finalise the plans for this project.

“We will continue to work with local businesses once the plans have been finalised to minimise any impact," they added.

The transformation project - developed in partnership with consultants WSP and supported by Welsh Government funding - is expected to be delivered in phases, with the first phase potentially starting in autumn 2025, subject to funding.