A FORMER shop in the Cwmbran Centre can be put to a new use but more information will be needed if hot food is cooked.
No end user has been identified for Unit 19 at the Mall but shopping centre owners L&C Investments has had the go-ahead to change the planning class from AI, which covers shops, to a flexible use for either A1 or A3 which is permission for food and drink.
The property firm had told Torfaen Borough Council’s planning department it is unclear what the new use will be and stated: “There is interest from a business to sell drinks and cakes from the unit, although this is not the definitive end user.”
Planning officer Simon Pritchard said, in a report which approved the application, the change of use is acceptable but a condition will require details of equipment, including ventilation, fans and extraction equipment be provided to, and approved by, the council’s environmental health department if the unit is to be used for cooking hot food.
Environmental health said it couldn’t properly assess the application due to a lack of details but was concerned due to nearby residential properties at Monmouth House.
Mr Pritchard said further information couldn’t be provided as there was no identified “end user” but he also said it had to be “noted” residents in commercial centres “cannot expect the same amenity as a property in the suburbs”.
Opening hours will also be restricted to 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays in line with the opening hours stated on the application form.