Food and drink takeaway at 49 Bethcar Street, Ebbw Vale

“Site Address: 49 Bethcar Street, Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent NP23 6HW Development: Proposed change of use from Commercial property to A3 food and drink establishment / takeaway…”

“Planning permission is sought for the change of use of the property to an A3 use providing a food and drink use/ takeaway. The proposed use consists of a takeaway service area, a kitchen and storage areas. The application states that the previous use…”

“The application site is situated at 49 Bethcar Street, which is within the settlement of Ebbw Vale. The site is comprised of a two storey, end of terrace property. The property fronts directly onto the pedestrianised area and is currently vacant, although its last known use was as a beauty salon. The Local Development Plan (LDP) Proposals Map identifies that the property is located within Ebbw Vale town centre boundary and within the Primary Retail Area.”

“The marketing information submitted in support of the application advises that the last known use of the property was a Beauty Salon which was operational from May 2024 until January 2025. The property has remained vacant since (approximately 6 months). The property has been marketed for a commercial use and there has been interest in the property in that 5 viewings have been undertaken.”

“Planning history searches have revealed that the Beauty salon (Sui Generis) use was unauthorised, with the former established use being an A2 (Estate Agents). Through permitted development rights, the property did change to an A1 use arts and crafts shop from May 2023 until April 2024. Given the extant use of the site, planning policy raise an objection in that there will be a loss of an A1 use in the primary retail area, contrary to policy DM5.”

“With regard to the Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council Local Development Plan (LDP), the site is located within the settlement boundary, the town centre boundary of Ebbw Vale and the primary retail area as defined by the proposals map. Policy DM5 ‘Principal and District Town Centre Management Development’ advises, proposals incorporating a change of use of ground floor premises in Principal and District Town Centres will be subject to the following management: a.”

“In order to maintain a high proportion of A1 uses in the Primary Retail Area, Policy DM5 criterion (a) restricts changes of use within the primary retail area of principal and district town centres, such as Ebbw Vale, to A1 uses only. Accordingly, Planning Policy have objected to the application.”

“Service Manager Public Protection: No objection subject to fume extraction and control of plant noise.”

“External Consultation Responses Welsh Water: No objection subject to a condition relating to surface water and provision of a grease trap.”

“It can support people to maintain a healthy weight and reduce their risk of developing long-term conditions. Availability and accessibility of healthy food options is important to consider with regards to health inequalities. Increased access to unhealthy food retail outlets can be associated with increased weight status and unhealthy eating behaviours among populations in low-income areas. • In 2018, there were 125 fast food outlets per 100,000 population in Blaenau Gwent.”

“In summary, subject to conditions it is considered that change of use proposed would not have a detrimental impact on the character, appearance and amenity of the of the area, residential amenity, highway safety, services and infrastructure or ecology.”

“Whilst it is acknowledged that the proposal conflicts with LDP Policy DM5a, as it would lead to the loss of an A1 retail unit within Ebbw Vale’s designated primary retail area, the marketing evidence and findings from the Council’s Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) are material to the determination of the application. These show a decline in the demand and occupation A1 units and confirm that the proposal would not lead to an overconcentration of A3 uses in the designation.”

“P/2025/0098 49 Bethcar Street, Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent NP23 6HW Proposed change of use from Commercial property to A3 food and drink establishment / takeaway…”

“Upon a vote being taken, 6 Members voted in favour and 1 Members voted against the officers recommendation, it was therefore…”

“RESOLVED that Planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions detailed in the report.”