Cake shop at 10B Llwynypia Road, Tonypandy
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Rhondda Planning and Development Committee on 18 Sept 2025.
What was proposed
The application proposed changing a former dog grooming premises into a cake shop, with internal alterations, a pink shopfront and set opening hours.
“Full planning permission is sought for the change of use of 10b Llwynypia Road, Tonypandy from a dog grooming premises (Sui Generis) to a cake shop (Use Class A1). The proposed change of use would be facilitated through internal conversion of the ground floor of the property to establish the following layout: cake display area, reception area, cake making room, kitchen and W/C.”
Officer report
The site
The vacant commercial property was in a town-centre retail area, near a public car park and bus station, with a rear commercial garage.
“The application site is a commercial property located within Tonypandy town centre. The property is currently vacant but has however, previously operated as a dog grooming business.”
“The property benefits from commercial frontage on the ground floor with an area for associated signage above. To the rear the property benefits from a large commercial style garage which directly abuts the access lane along the rear boundary.”
Officer report
Earlier use
The premises had previously operated as a dog grooming business after an earlier change-of-use application was granted in 2016.
“16/0101/FUL: Change of use from vacant unit / shop to dog grooming business. Decision: 24/03/2016, Grant…”
Officer report
Why approval was advised
Approval was recommended because the proposal would bring the property back into beneficial retail use and was considered acceptable for appearance, neighbours and highway safety.
“REASONS: The development would bring the property back into beneficial use through the introduction of a complementary use within the retail centre. Furthermore, the proposal is considered acceptable with regard to its impact upon the character and appearance of the area, the residential amenities of surrounding neighbours and highway safety within the vicinity of the site.”
Officer report
What people objected to
Six objections raised concerns about food preparation, hygiene, waste, odours, noise, parking, traffic, existing businesses and ongoing works.
“The premises lacks the facilities for a bakery. • An additional food business could oversaturate Llwynypia Road impacting existing businesses. • Food waste, odours, and noise could affect residents.”
“APPLICATION NUMBER – 25/0462/FUL REPORT • Without compliance with RCT guidelines, this proposal risks public health and community stability. • According to RCT planning guidelines, any change of use must comply with food safety standards, which the applicant has not demonstrated. • Previously used for dog grooming, the interior surfaces are unsuitable for food preparation.”
Officer report
The committee decision
The committee approved the application in line with the recommendation, subject to the conditions set out for the development.
“The Head of Planning continued to present 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 subject to the conditions outlined within the report.”
Minutes
Sources
- Rhondda Planning and Development Committee minutes, 18 September 2025
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of Rhondda's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
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See the API →At the meeting
- Council
- Rhondda
- Date
- Thursday 18 September 2025
- Recommendation
- Officers recommended approval
- Committee decided
- Approved
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- The application (council website)
- All decisions
- Rhondda committee decisions →
This committee's year
22 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 2 against officer advice.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.