Shop converted to home at The Old Post Office, Llanwrda

What was proposed

The application sought to turn the mixed residential and shop property into one home by converting the shop room into living and storage space.

“The application is for the change of use of the property from residential and retail (use class C3/A1) to residential only (use class C3), which shall involve the removal of a single room at front ground floor of the premises as a shop and this room’s amalgamation into the existing residential property. The existing property has a Lounge, kitchen conservatory and…”

Officer report

The site

The property is a prominent detached building with an attached shop at the junction of two roads in the centre of Llanwrda.

“The application site comprises a dwelling with an attached shop located at the centre of Llanwrda village. Llanwrda lies approximately 6 kilometres south-west of Llandovery along the A40(T) and some 4 kilometres north-east of Llangadog.The property is a substantial detached building positioned prominently at the junction of the A482 and Unclassified Road 4219.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Natural Resources Wales had no objection on flooding or nutrient grounds, while planning officers found the policy and viability evidence acceptable subject to considerations.

“The application proposes a change of use from mixed residential and retail (C3/A1) to residential only (C3). The site is located within Flood Zone 3 (Rivers), as identified on the Flood Map for Planning. Having reviewed the Flood Consequences Assessment (FCA), there is no objection to the proposal on flood risk grounds.”

“Forward Planning- The site lies within the adopted Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan (2014) and the proposal involves changing the use of the building from mixed residential/retail to residential only. The key policy consideration is RT8 (Local Shops and Facilities). Although the proposal would result in the loss of a local shop, the premises have been vacant for over 12 months and the applicant has submitted evidence to demonstrate a lack of demand and non-viability.”

Officer report

Objections received

Seven objections raised concerns about limited marketing, loss of an important local facility, elderly residents’ access, policy conflict and flooding.

“The application was the subject of notification by way of site notice. 7 representations were received objecting to the application, and the matters raised are summarised as follows: -”

“There was limited marketing of the property for sale. • The proposal is contrary to Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan policy RT8 Local Shops and Facilities, which will result in the loss of an important Community and Tourism facility in the locality. • The shop and post office has existed at the premises for many years, and its loss should not be supported. • The reduction in number of products being sold and the opening hours reduced the level of sales at the shop.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local member objected, citing community cohesion, lack of alternatives, passing trade and insufficient marketing through only one estate agent.

Committee consideration

The Senior Development Management Officer responded to the issues raised by the local member.

“Representations were received from a Local Member objecting to the application re-iterating the points detailed within the Head of Place and Sustainability’s report and included: • Detrimental impact on community cohesion;”

“The Senior Development Management Officer responded to the issues raised.”

Minutes