Police office at 106-107 Taff Street, Pontypridd

“Full planning consent is sought to change the use of 106-107 Taff Street, Pontypridd, from shop (Use Class A1) and cafe (Use Class A3) to police office (Use Class B1)”

“The change of use would be undertaken within the fabric of the existing building, with no increase in its footprint proposed. Internal adaptations to the existing layout would include the removal of internal walls, doors, and first-floor sanitary facilities, together with the creation of a public lobby, private lobby, open-plan office, interview room, communications room and associated sanitary facilities at ground-floor level.”

“The application site relates to two adjoined mid-terrace commercial properties located within the retail centre of Pontypridd. The premises are currently vacant but were most recently occupied as two separate units, comprising a shop (Use Class A1) and a café (Use Class A3).”

“Lastly, the application site is located within the Pontypridd Town Centre Conservation Area and lies partially within Flood Zone 2 in respect of Rivers and Sea flood risk, Flood Zone 1 in respect of Surface Water and Small Watercourses flood risk and is partly located within the TAN15 Defended Zone. The site is also designated as being within a Principal Town Centre and occupies a primary retail frontage within the defined retail hierarchy.”

“24/0519/GREG: Cladding to the first floor to replace existing profiled metal panels, brickwork and rendering above shops. Cladding to canopy above shop fronts. Replacing shop fronts and fitting roller shutter doors to no's 106 and 107 Taff Street. Decision: Granted, 27.08.2021.”

“21/0636/FUL: Change of use from A1 (Retail) to A3 (Coffee Shop/Cafe). Decision: Approved, 26.06.2024.”

“Furthermore, the proposal would provide a public-facing facility in a prominent town centre location. The development would bring currently vacant units back into beneficial use and would result in the establishment of a visible police presence within the town centre location. This is considered likely to have wider benefits in terms of public order and safety, whilst also contributing positively to the vitality and activity of the town centre.”

“The policy further recognises that the principle of ‘Town Centre First’ is well established in planning policy in relation to retail developments. ‘However, good planning can help us re-think the future of town and city centres, which are moving away from their traditional retail roles. The impact of COVID-19 on the retail sector is a further driver towards making our town centres multi-functional places.”

“The application has been advertised by direct notification to 4 neighbouring properties as well as by site notice, posted near the application site. No letters of objection have been received.”

“Conditions are recommended in respect of demolition, hours of operation, noise, dust and waste. However, as a small-scale addition and noting that such matters can be controlled effectively within the scope of existing public health powers, such conditions would be considered unnecessary.”

“Change of use from shop (Use Class A1) and cafe (Use Class A3) to Police Office (Use Class B1) 106-107 Taff Street, Pontypridd, CF37 4UY”

“The Head of Planning presented the application to Committee and following consideration it was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Housing and Regeneration.”