Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Team Manager Development Management.

Consideration was given to the following:-

C/2021/0168

18 & 19 Market Street, Abertillery

Change of use to Wine Bar and

associated external alterations

The Team Manager – Development Management provided an overview of the application with the assistance of visual aids. It was outlined that the property was a split level building which occupied a corner plot between Market Street and Commercial Street, Abertillery. The building had been vacant for a number of years with the last known use at ground floor as A3. The building also incorporated a small unit fronting Commercial Street, which was formerly used as a butcher shop. It was noted that the plans indicated that there would be no access from the property onto Commercial Street, the entrance/exit would be via Market Street.

The Team Manager referred to concerns that the change of use of this property to a wine bar would result in a clustering of A3 uses contrary to the Food and Drink SPG. However, the Team Manager highlighted the considerations which could be taken into account when determining the application and advised that these two A3 uses could be deemed as not being adjacent to the proposal and therefore not representing a cluster of A3 uses.  There were also historical planning uses granted on the units.

In conclusion, the Team Manager advised that despite such concerns there were also several reasons that would justify supporting this application.  This derelict building was an eyesore that currently had a negative visual impact upon the street scene. The re-use of the building would potentially bring the building back into use and would positively contribute to the vitality and viability of the town centre in accordance with LDP Policy SP3.

In this instance it was felt that there are specific locational factors for accepting that the positive impacts of this development would outweigh concerns regarding potential clustering of A3 uses. The development does not raise issues in terms of the number of units within the town centre in accordance with the SPG and was not considered to have an adverse detrimental impact upon the neighbouring area in this town centre location. Therefore, the Team Manager stated that the application was recommended for approval subject to conditions.

The Vice-Chair supported the application as it would enhance the Town Centre and it was unanimously

RESOLVED that Planning permission be GRANTED.

C/2021/0196

Endsleigh, Alma Terrace, Brynmawr,

Ebbw Vale NP23 4DR

Complete removal of sycamore tree (T1)

covered by TPO No. BG120

The Team Leader – Development Management outlined the application with the assistance of visual aids and advised that the application sought consent to fell a sycamore tree, which was covered by Tree Preservation Order.

The Team Leader informed that the reason for the proposed felling of the sycamore tree related to the tree’s root system which had caused structural damage to the western side boundary wall of the property and adjacent steps, path and gate pillar. This damage had resulted in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4