Three residential flats at Former St John's Ambulance Offices, Ystradgynlais

What was proposed

The application sought to change former offices into three residential flats, with rooflights and alterations to existing windows.

“Proposal: Change of use of offices to provide 3 x residential flats…”

Officer report

The site

The building is within Ystradgynlais’s settlement boundary, with homes to the west, east and south and a private lane to the north.

“The application site is located within the settlement development boundary of Ystradgynlais in a central location. The proposed development is on Derwen Road and comprises an existing building which formerly has been offices. The site has residential dwellings to the west, east and south. To the north is a private lane.”

“The application seeks approval for the change of use of the existing building to provide 3 residential flats. External works proposed include the insertion of rooflights and alterations in terms of scale and design of existing fenestration detail.”

Officer report

Objections received

Nine objections raised concerns including parking, privacy, residential amenity, access, traffic, noise, occupancy, pollution, design and community safety.

“Nine third-party objections have been received. Which can be summarised as follows:”

“Inadequate parking provision Loss of privacy Residential amenity Close to adjoining properties Inadequate access Increase in traffic Loss of parking Noise nuisance Concern about type of occupancy – whether social rented or private General dislike of proposal Increase in pollution Not enough information given on application Out of keeping with character of the area Community safety…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local representative and two objectors spoke, while a statement from the applicant’s architect was read in the architect’s absence.

The vote

The application was moved and seconded for approval, and one councillor did not vote because he had not heard all the officer presentation.

“It was moved and duly seconded to approve the application as recommended by the officer.”

“Councillor K Lewis did not vote as he was not present for all of the officer’s presentation.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted consent in line with the officer recommendation and subject to the conditions in the report.

“RESOLVED: Reason for decision: that the application be granted consent, subject to the conditions set out in the report which is filed with the signed minutes. As officer’s recommendation as set out in the report which is filed with the signed minutes.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The conditions covered commencement, approved plans, biodiversity measures, surface water drainage and construction working hours.

“The development shall begin not later than five years from the date of this decision. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans and documents: LOCATION - BLOCK PLAN , HG24-23_007_PROPOSED SITE PLAN, HG24-23_005_E_ELEVATIONS, HG24-23_008_PROPOSED GROUND FLOOR PLAN, HG24-23_009_PROPOSED FF - ROOF PLAN, HG24- 23_010_PROPOSED ELEVATIONS, SITE PLAN, HG24- 23_011_BIODIVERSITY ENHANCEMENTS PLAN. 3.”

“If any trees fail more than once they shall continue to be replaced on an annual basis until the end of the 5- year defects period. The approved details shall be implemented in full. No surface water from any increase in the roof area of the building /or impermeable surfaces within its curtilage shall be allowed to drain directly or indirectly to the public sewerage system. 5.”

Officer report