Two shops and eight flats at 8 To 10 High Street, Tonyrefail
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Rhondda Planning and Development Committee on 4 Sept 2025.
What was proposed
The application proposed changing a former bank into two ground-floor shops and eight flats, with extensions, dormers, shopfronts and four parking spaces.
“Full planning permission is sought for the conversion of property to two shops and eight flats at 8 To 10 High Street, Tonyrefail, CF39 8PG.”
“The proposal would see the change of use of the property from a bank (Use Class A2) to 2no. retails shops (Use Class A1) on the ground floor and the creation of 8no. flats over the property’s 4 floors. Alongside the internal conversion of the property the proposal would see the construction of a two storey rear extension with roof terrace, rear dormer extension, 2no. front dormers and the installation of new shopfronts.”
Officer report
The site
The site was a vacant commercial property on High Street, within a mixed retail and residential area, with a rear yard accessed from a lane.
“The application site relates to a large commercial property located along High Street, Tonyrefail. The property was historically operated as a bank however has been vacant for a number of years. The property benefits from a large commercial frontage on the ground floor with a more traditional stone façade above which includes a number of bay windows.”
“The surrounding area is mix of various commercial uses along High Street within the retail centre, and residential streets to the south and east.”
Officer report
Earlier planning history
Earlier permissions covered advertisements and conversion of the bank to two shops and three flats, with later decisions on parking, shopfront and bin-storage details.
“18/0565/FUL: Change of use from bank to 2 A1 shops at ground level plus 3 self- contained flats (Amended description and plans 31/07/2018). Decision: 25/09/2018, Grant.”
“18/1325/DIS: Discharge of Conditions 3 (Off Street Parking), 4 (Design Detail of Shop front) & 5 (Bin Storage Details) of planning permission 18/0565/10 for the conversion of the property to two shops and three flats. Decision: 09/04/2019, Refuse.”
Officer report
What officers recommended
Officers recommended approval because the scheme would reuse a vacant building, fit its location, protect residential amenity, provide suitable accommodation and improve the area.
“The proposed flats and shops would be compatible with surrounding land uses and would provide a beneficial use to a vacant building. The proposal would not have a significant impact on the amenity of surrounding residents and a suitable level of accommodation would be provided for future residents of the proposed flats. The alterations to the building would be acceptable upon the character of the area. It is considered sufficient off-street parking would be provided.”
“RECOMMENDATION: GRANT SUBJECT TO S106 AGREEMENT.”
Officer report
Residents’ views
The application was publicised to neighbouring properties and no objection letters were received.
“The application has been advertised by direct notification to neighbouring properties as well as notices displayed at the site.”
“No letters of objection have been received following consultation.”
Officer report
The committee decision
The committee resolved to approve the application in line with the officer recommendation, subject to an added bin-storage condition and a legal agreement.
“Conversion of property to two shops and eight flats. To 10 High Street, Tonyrefail, Rhondda Cynon Taf, CF39 8PG”
“The Head of Major Development and Investment 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 subject to an additional condition requiring the arrangements for bin storage to be agreed and also subject to the completion of a section 106 agreement to secure the affordable housing contribution outlined below: - 2 x 1 bedroom flat for…”
Minutes
Affordable housing and conditions
The agreement was to secure two one-bedroom low-cost home-ownership flats, and the committee additionally required bin-storage arrangements to be agreed.
“APPLICATION NUMBER – 25/0602/FUL REPORT • 2 x 1 bedroom flat for Low Cost Home Ownership (Development Quality Requirement Standards)”
“Therefore, a S106 agreement will be required to secure the affordable housing contribution outlined above.”
Officer report
Sources
- Rhondda Planning and Development Committee minutes, 4 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 4 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
15 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 2 against officer advice.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.