Community meeting space at 16 Beaufort Street, Brynmawr, Ebbw Vale

“This application seeks full planning for the change of use of the ground floor of the property from Use Class A1 (retail) to a community meeting space (D1 Non-residential Institution) associated with Men’s Den Blaenau Gwent. The community space will operate as a meeting space for the Men’s Den and Ladies Lounge and for use by other organisations to provide information and support sessions. The intention is that the space will also be open for general community use.”

“The existing parking area, a bin store and cycle store would be retained to the rear of the premise, accessed from Worcester Street.”

“Site Context The application site is located at 16 Beaufort Street and comprises a three storey, mid terraced property. The ground floor is currently vacant whilst the first and second floors are currently in residential use. No alterations to the existing residential units or intensification of the first and second floor use is proposed.”

“Whilst the applicant indicates the ground floor of the property was last let to ‘Growing Spaces’, a voluntary organisation who used the space to sell paint at a low cost and as a meeting space in 2022, the Council’s town centre survey advises that the property was last operational as an A1 store (Gwent Binary Computer shop - A1 and Opticians A1) in 2018.”

“Details Decision 2.1 C/2004/0071 Advertisement sign Approved 07/04/2004 2.2 7470 Conversion of existing flats on first & 2nd floors. Approved 28.10.1988 3.0 Consultation and Other Relevant Information 3.1 3.2”

“Whilst the lack of marketing information and change of use to a D1 use is contrary to LDP policy DM5, Members should consider whether it would be more beneficial for the primary retail area to have units that are in use, rather than vacant. Due to its nature, a community orientated, non-residential instructional space under use class D1 is considered an acceptable use within a town centre location that would provide a valuable service to the area.”

“Having regard to paragraph 4.3.36 of Planning Policy Wales, which recognises that an over-emphasis on retaining A1 uses in long-vacant premises may undermine the vitality and viability of town centres, it is considered that the proposed D1 community use would bring the premises back into active occupation during the daytime, enhance the diversity of town centre uses and increase activity within the centre, without materially undermining its retail function.”

“Public Consultation: • 24 letters to nearby premises • 1 site notices • Press Notice • website public register of applications • ward members by letter • all members via weekly list of applications received…”

“No objections or representations have been received…”

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

“As a Ward Member for the application area, Councillor Wayne Hodgins did not take part in the vote.”