AN empty shop in Pontypool town centre is to be converted to two one-bedroom flats.
The first floor of the building at 12 Osborne Road is already a two-bedroom flat but landlord Shah Mohammed Furad Ahmed has been given the go-ahead to change the use of the ground floor from commercial to residential.
Submitted plans show each flat would have its own shared lounge/kitchen area, bathroom and a bedroom.
Torfaen Borough Council planning officer Simon Pritchard said in a report, which approved the application, its location in the centre of town and close to services such as shops and schools meant an inability to provide off-road parking spaces could be overcome.
He also said as the vacant shop is away from the primary shopping area the loss of a retail unit is acceptable.
Mr Pritchard stated: “The change of use of the ground floor is not considered to result in harm to the viability and vitality of the town centre given it is outside of the primary, secondary and retail frontages and that a residential use would bring the vacant ground floor back into use and is considered acceptable in this sustainable location.”
While Torfaen council’s parking standards would normally require one parking space per one-bedroom flat, the location meant the plans could be approved as Welsh planning policy aims to promote development where the need for private car use can be reduced.
“It is considered that given its highly sustainable location (within the town centre with community facilities, shops, health centre, school and bus stops nearby) the lack of parking provision would not warrant the refusal of this application,” said Mr Pritchard.
The officer also said from visiting he could see a bike could fit down the access lane, to the side, leading to the courtyard where bike storage has been proposed.
The glazed, traditional shop front would also be replaced with a new frontage and render and single door and window into the lounge of the ground floor flat.
Mr Pritchard said the loss of the traditional shopfront is acceptable when all factors are taken into account.
He stated: “The alterations to the front elevation would mean the loss of the traditional shopfront at ground floor, however, given the property is outside of the conservation area, the premises is vacant, the appearance of existing buildings within the street scene and the proposal would bring the ground floor back into use requiring changes to the shopfront, it is considered acceptable on balance.”