PLANS for a former Machynlleth church hall to be used as a furniture showroom should be rejected as an access lane could not cope with increased traffic, town councillors have said.

The application is for a change of use of Vane Hall to become a store and showroom, with Powys planners considering the application.

But Machynlleth town councillors said they had concerns over potential safety issues for a lane which would be used for vehicular access to the hall.

Councillors said an increase in vehicles, especially vans, trying to access the lane could see it blocked.

Cllr Richie Gaskell said: “If you get a van up there and there’s a fire there, people won’t get out.”

Cllr Rhydian Mason added: “If it’s going to be items of furniture or large items there’s going to be a need for vans.

“That lane is not ideal and couldn’t cope with it. If there’s two people there at the same time, it could get blocked.”

Councillors agreed to object to the planning application.