Emergency refuge accommodation at 41 New Road, Skewen

What was proposed

The application proposed a three-storey rear extension, an external staircase, office retention and 13 units of emergency refuge accommodation.

“The applicant has provided a clear rationale for the proposed development, stating: ‘The intent is to offer a temporary solution to an individual’s homelessness, and to guide and steer that individual to more permanent accommodation elsewhere in association with local authority and housing association support networks’. The development also includes the construction of a three-storey rear extension to facilitate the proposed use.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a three-storey end-of-terrace commercial building in Skewen District Centre with a rear parking area and neighbouring homes.

“SITE AND CONTEXT The application site relates to a three-storey end-of-terrace commercial building positioned on the northern side of New Road, Skewen. The site lies within the defined Skewen District Centre which is characterised by a varied mix of commercial premises and residential properties, reflecting the wider mixed-use nature of the area. The building itself historically operated as a bank and more recently offices. It retains a…”

“To the rear, the property is similarly finished in light blue render to all floors and contains a range of window openings of differing sizes. Access arrangements include two rear entrances at lower-ground-floor level and an additional entrance at ground- floor level (rear) which is served via an external metal staircase. Variations in the roof profile indicate that the building has been extended to the rear although there are no records available confirming the exact date.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

Earlier permissions covered the rear boundary wall, bank alterations, a disabled access ramp and an illuminated ATM sign.

“N1986/0697 – Section 53 demolition and rebuilding of rear boundary wall – Lawful – 19.11.1986.”

“P2001/0151 – Construction of external disabled access ramp at entrance to Barclays Bank – 05.03.01.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the reuse of an accessible previously developed site would meet an identified need for temporary supported accommodation without unacceptable effects.

“Principle of Development The building is previously developed land in planning terms, having historically operated as a bank and more recently as office accommodation over all floors. The reuse and intensification of this existing building in a highly accessible location is consistent with national and local objectives to make efficient use of land and buildings.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most consultees raised no objection, while highways questioned parking and other consultees sought conditions on drainage, noise, biodiversity and use.

“The Head of Engineering and Transport (Highways): Raised concerns relating to the adequacy and design of proposed parking provision. The Head of Engineering and Transport (Drainage): No objection, subject to conditions.”

“Pollution Control (Noise): No objection, subject to conditions dealing with ventilation of habitable rooms, noise from fixed plant and equipment, construction site working times and destructive asbestos survey.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The local ward member and the applicant’s representative attended to give representations.

The committee decision

The committee approved the application subject to the conditions in the report.

“RESOLVED: Application No. P2025/0825 - 41 New Road, Skewen, Neath Port Talbot, SA10 6ER. Three-storey rear extension, external staircase and associated external alterations to fenestration to facilitate the retention of Ground Floor Offices and Conversion of Upper Floors to Emergency Refuge Accommodation, be approved subject to the conditions contained within the circulated report.”

Minutes