18 flats and commercial space at Old Town Hall, Tonypandy

Summary of planning committee decision

Decided by Rhondda Planning and Development Committee on 13 Aug 2026.

26/0263/FULApproved

What was proposed

The application sought conversion of the former town hall into 18 flats, commercial space, a café and a commercial unit, with external alterations including roof dormers.

“Full planning consent is sought for the conversion and change of use of the former town hall at 15 De Winton Street, Tonypandy, CF40 2QU to provide commercial accommodation and 18 flats.”

“However, a further external change, of greater significance would be to the roof where, in order to create sufficient internal space, it is proposed to construct two large dormer extensions within the existing roof planes. The vertical elements of which would be faced with standing seam cladding and contain windows of a finish to match those in the lower storeys.”

Officer report

The site

The vacant four-storey building dates from about 1892, lies near Tonypandy town centre and is within the settlement boundary and flood zone.

“The application site comprises a substantial, four storey building (including basement), built in approximately 1892, which is located on the south-western side of De Winton Street, close to the town centre of Tonypandy. The site is located both within the defined settlement boundary and the C2 flood zone as defined by PPW TAN 15.”

“The north-east facing front elevation of the building is directly on the pavement of De Winton Street while to the north-western side it abuts a Council car park. The opposite side of the building adjoins an existing, two storey, terrace of residential and commercial properties, whilst the rear elevations is adjacent to an existing residential dwelling and a steep bank up to Gilfach Road.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Previous permissions covered residential and retail conversion, office use, shops and offices, and changes involving parking and the former town hall.

“15/1005/FUL: Conversion of former Town Hall, snooker club and night club into 18 no. residential units and 5 Retail units (amended plans received 30/09/15, amended description received 05/10/15, additional information received 21/12/15). Decision: 20/09/2018, granted.”

“96/6562: Relaxation of planning conditions in respect of use of former Town Hall, development of car parking. Decision: 05/02/1998, granted.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would reuse a prominent vacant building, support housing and commercial activity, and avoid unacceptable effects subject to safeguards.

“RECOMMENDATION: GRANT SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS BELOW AND A SECTION 106 AGREEMENT: REASONS:”

“The proposed development represents the sustainable redevelopment and beneficial re-use of a prominent long-term vacant building within Tonypandy Town Centre. The scheme would provide additional residential accommodation whilst retaining active commercial uses at ground floor level, thereby contributing positively to the vitality and viability of the town centre.”

Officer report

The committee decision

The committee approved the application in accordance with the recommendation, subject to a legal agreement securing two one-bedroom social-rented flats.

“Conversion of existing building into 18 residential apartments and commercial spaces at ground & basement levels Old Town Hall, 15 De Winton Street, Tonypandy, Rhondda Cynon Taf…”

“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 subject to a Section 106 Agreement to ensure the following affordable housing unit mix be secured on site to satisfy these requirements: • 2 x 1 bedroom flats for social rent (development quality requirement standards)”

Minutes

Sources

  • Rhondda Planning and Development Committee minutes, 13 August 2026
  • Agenda and papers (council website)

Source: Plota analysis of Rhondda's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.

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At the meeting

Council
Rhondda
Date
Thursday 13 August 2026
Recommendation
Officers recommended approval
Committee decided
Approved
Minutes
The council's minutes
Meeting
Agenda and papers (council website)

This committee's year

94 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 4 against officer advice.

Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.

Every decision by this council's committees →