A FORMER library that started life as a workingmen’s hall could be converted to four flats.
The former Abersychan Library was last used by Torfaen council’s play service, before it relocated to Cwmbran in April 2024, and the building declared “surplus to requirements” by the authority two months later.
Nick Bullock, of Sebastopol-based commercial and residential landlords and real estate firm ESTAC Property Ltd, has applied to Torfaen Borough Council for change of use planning permission to convert the 120-year-old building to flats.
According to a planning statement residential use “should help alleviate the shortage of affordable one-bed flats within the borough”.
Its application states the two-storey property was built in 1905 as the Abersychan and District Workmen’s Hall that consisted of a library and reading room, public hall, and other facilities and later became a public library that closed in 2010.
It was then used by the council play service but has been vacant since that relocated.
There are already some existing residential properties on the Brynteg cul-de-sac, where the library building is, along with the Brynteg Community Hall and Church and to its north is vacant land of the former Brynteg Nursery School, now in ownership of Ty Bryn Care Home.
Information submitted with the application states redevelopment will include “the substantial refurbishment and repair of the building” but changes to create the four bedrooms will “be implemented without altering the external façade or main structure, except for the removal of the long roof light to the northeast”.
Two high-level windows to the northeast and southwest elevations will be added at the first floor level.
“All existing architectural features and details will be preserved, with any repairs or replacements matching the original style,” according to the statement.
The building is also described as “conveniently sited” in the south end of Abersychan with access to “plenty of local amenities, shops, food outlets, all within 200 metres”.
Glansychan Park is described as “literally a stone throw away” with access via the Brynteg Community Church.
The nearest bus stop is 275 metres south on the A4043 with direct links between Blaenavon, Pontypool and Newport on the X24.
Bathrooms will be designed to allow for ambulant disabled users and a ramp to access the building could be added.
A transport and parking study has also been submitted with the application. The study acknowledges that parking on the cul-de-sac is limited. It suggests parking would be available on High Street and there is a parking facility 100m to the west “which will more than suffice for four vehicles and visitors’ parking”.
The application is being considered by the council planning department.