Indoor play area and flats at Rogers Sports, Brynmawr, Ebbw Vale

“This application seeks full planning for the change of use of the property to a D2 use providing a child’s play centre on the ground floor, and seven, self-contained residential apartments (C3) on the upper floors…”

“The application site is located at 28 and 29 Beaufort Street and comprises a three and four storey, mid terraced property, that is currently vacant. The premise was last used as Rogers Shoe Shop, an A1 Retail use.”

“The premise sits with Brynmawr Town Centre and Primary Retail Area as defined by the Proposals Map of the Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council Local Development Plan (LDP).”

“Details Decision 2.1 C/1998/0107 Roller shutter 29, shop front & shutter No 28 Approved 02.07.98 2.2 3185 Alterations and Extension to existing shop. Approved 24.02.81 3.0 Consultation and Other Relevant Information 3.1 3.2 3.3”

“In conclusion, it is considered that the proposed change of use from a retail unit (A1) to a children’s play centre (D2) and residential units (C3) would have a beneficial impact on the character, appearance, vitality and viability of the application site and wider area and would not have a detrimental impact on the residential amenity of those living closest to the site or the highway safety and free flow of traffic.”

“Having regard to the above report, the application is considered compliant with the relevant policies of the Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council Local Development Plan and it is recommended that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following condition(s):”

“Limited Marketing Information has been provided, however a statement from the applicant claimed that adverts were raised across social media sites, in the window of the shop, and the community board in Brynmawr Square. Considering this, and the extant use of the site as an A1 retail premises, planning policy raise an objection due to limited information, and the potential loss of an A1 use in the primary retail area, which would be contrary to policy DM5.”

“In this instance being mindful that the annual town centre surveys confirm the premise has been vacant since 2022 and that interest has been limited to an A2 printing use and D2 uses, planning policy consider that these could be used as material planning considerations in the planning application, justifying a departure from the development plan.”

“Internal BG Responses Service Manager Infrastructure: Highways: The property is located within Brynmawr Town Centre, as such it is well served by both town centre public car parks and public transport services. Subject to the proposed off-street car and cycle parking provisions being constructed prior to the flats/ play centre being brought into beneficial use, and retained in perpetuity thereafter, there are no highway objections.”

“Service Manager Public Protection: Conditions recommended regarding the installation of sound insulation.”

“The Team Manager Development Management reported an amendment to the report:-”

“Conclusion & Recommendation paragraph 7.2 should read that the application is broadly in accordance with planning policy as there is a departure from the Local Development Plan in terms of the D2 use, however, there is justification which has been highlighted in the report to depart from the Local Development Plan.”

“Upon a vote being taken, it was unanimously…”

“Councillor Wayne Hodgins did not take part in any discussion or vote.”

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