Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Team Manager Development Management.

C/2021/0306

74 King Street, Brynmawr, NP23 4RG

Change of use of ground floor offices and first and second floor living accommodation to single dwelling together with associated external alterations

The Planning Officer advised that the application sought to change the use of the property from offices at ground floor with living accommodation at the first and second floor to a single dwelling. The site consisted of a mid-terrace, two storey property with accommodation provided within the roof slope through 2 pitched roof dormers. The site was within the settlement of Brynmawr. The ground floor of the property was at a higher level than road level and was accessed via steps to the front elevation. The rear of the site adjoined a property which was also in the same ownership as the application site. The Planning Officer further noted that the proposed dwelling provided a lounge and kitchen/diner at ground floor level, 3 bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor with a bedroom on the second floor. The existing dormers are proposed to be increased in size and finished with composite cladding.

The Planning Officer referred Members to the images and diagrams detailed in the report and provided an overview of the proposed floor plan and proposed elevation.

The Planning Officer noted that no objections had been raised and that the reason the application had been presented to Committee was that the proposal was contrary to Policy DM5 which stated thatthe change of use of the ground floor units to residential use in the town centre would not be permitted. The area of King Street was  predominantly residential and the property characteristics are more residential than commercial. The recently published Retail and Leisure study prepared as evidence base for the Replacement Local Development Plan recommended that the property was removed from the town centre boundary. The planning Officer accepted this recommendation and considered that this could be a material consideration when determining the planning application.

The Planning Officer continued that the development would not impact neighbouring properties or have a detrimental effect on the street scene. It was added that although there were was no parking provisions the site was in a sustainable location.  The Planning Officer explained that whilst the proposal was contrary to Policy DM5 there were justifiable reasons to approve the application contrary to the policy.  In all other respects the proposal complied with relevant planning policies.

The local Ward Members welcomed the development and felt it would enhance the property greatly as the building had been redundant for many years.

RESOLVED that Planning permission be GRANTED, subject to conditions as detailed in the report.

C/2021/0317

44 Beaufort Street, Brynmawr, Ebbw Vale NP23 4AG

Proposed Change of use of A1 shop unit to A2

The Team Leader Development Management advised the Committee that the application sought to change the use of the property from an A1 use to an A2 use. The site was within the settlement of Brynmawr and situated within the Town Centre  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4