Five chapel apartments at Presbyterian Chapel Glyn Street Ynys-y-bwl, Pontypridd

What was proposed

The application sought to convert the chapel into five apartments, with dormers, recessed balconies, new doors and external storage and amenity areas.

“Full planning permission is sought for the redevelopment of the existing chapel to provide 5No. apartments along with 2x new dormers and 2x new recessed balconies to the roofs at Presbyterian Chapel, Glyn Street, Ynys-y-bwl.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The vacant former chapel is a prominent stone building in a mainly residential area of traditional terraced properties.

“The application site relates to the former Presbyterian Chapel which is located on Glyn Street, Ynysbwl. The site is current vacant and is noted as being last used as a chapel in 2011 and with an intervening use a children’s nursery. The chapel is a prominent stone building with an attractive front elevation which includes a turreted corner feature and decorative central window above an arched timber doorway.”

“The area surrounding the site is predominantly residential in nature and is characterised mainly by traditional terraced properties.”

Officer report

Previous use and planning history

The chapel was last used for worship in 2011, had an intervening nursery use, and had no recent planning applications recorded.

“There are no recent planning applications on record associated with this site.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the residential principle, accommodation, appearance, neighbouring amenity, privacy and highway safety acceptable.

“In this instance, the flats are of an acceptable size and each habitable room would have at least one window. Access is well overlooked and can be made from the surrounding pavements and road, and the property would benefit from acceptable bin and cycle storage locations to the front that would be easily acceptable from all flats. In addition, each flat would also benefit from a private area of external amenity space.”

“Taking the above into account, the proposal is not considered to adversely impact upon residential amenity and is considered acceptable in this regard.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, drainage, water, ecology and archaeology consultees raised no objection, while some recommended conditions or further details.

“No objection raised although conditions recommended in relation to construction hours, noise, dust and waste.”

“No objection although condition recommended in relation to surface water drainage.”

Officer report

Objections from residents and members

Two neighbouring occupiers and two local members objected over parking pressure, narrow streets, emergency access, transport and planned highway changes.

“2no letters of objection have been received from the occupiers of neighbouring properties following consultation. In addition, objections have been received from local members Councillor Amanda Ellis and Councillor Paula Evans. The objections raised are summarised below:”

“APPLICATION NUMBER – 25/0327/FUL REPORT • Development will exacerbate existing car parking issues in the area. • Narrow surrounding streets cause issues with emergency services. • Proposal should include parking. • Previous uses have operated in the daytime which has resulted in less parking challenges. • The public bus only runs to Pontypridd which means that residents are more likely to have a car.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local member spoke for herself and another local member, presenting objections to the proposed development.

The committee vote

The committee resolved to approve the application in accordance with the officer recommendation.

“The Head of Planning presented the application to Committee and following consideration it was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Prosperity and Development.”

“(Note: County Borough Councillor M Powell did not take part in the vote as he wasn’t present during the full debate.)”

Minutes

The decision and conditions

Planning permission was granted because the development was considered acceptable in principle, visually, for neighbours and for highway safety, subject to conditions.

“The principle of residential development at the site is acceptable. Furthermore, the proposed development is considered acceptable in respect of its visual impact, its potential impact upon the amenity and privacy of the neighbouring properties, and its potential impact upon highway safety in the vicinity of the application site.”

“No development shall commence until details of privacy screening serving the recessed balconies has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details and remain in place in perpetuity of the development.”

Officer report