Drop-in centre and five-bed HMO at Lloyds TSB, 1 Station Street, Porth

What was proposed

The application sought internal conversion to a ground-floor D1 drop-in centre and a five-bedroom HMO on the upper floors.

“Full planning permission is sought for the change of use to a mixed-use development comprising a D1 use on the ground floor and a five-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) on the first and second floors at 1 Station Street, Porth, CF39 9NR.”

“Drop-in Centre consisting of a large open-plan floor space, meeting room, and W/C • Entrance hallway serving the HMO from Station Street • Bin/refuse storage…”

Officer report

The site

The three-storey corner building is in Porth’s main commercial area, surrounded mainly by commercial properties and previously used as a solicitor’s office.

“The application property is situated within the main commercial area of Porth, occupying a corner plot at the junction of Station Street and Pontypridd Road. The three-storey property occupies a relatively prominent end plot and has a modest degree of visual amenity. The design of the building is relatively traditional with stone facades, brick detailing and several sash style windows with a dominant vertical emphasis.”

“The ground floor of the building has more of a commercial appearance with the premise benefitting from fascia, projecting and window signage schemes serving the previous use as a solicitor’s office. The majority of surrounding properties, given the nature of the locality are commercial in character and consist of various uses.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications concerned bank signage, advertisements and window marketing units, and were granted between 2007 and 2013.

“06/2283/01: LLOYDS TSB, 1 STATION STREET, PORTH, CF39 9NR New Bank Signage Decision: 19/01/2007, Grant…”

“13/0530/01: LLOYDS BANK PLC, 1 STATION STREET, PORTH, CF39 9NR 3 No. sub A1 window marketing unit Decision: 25/07/2013, Grant…”

Officer report

What people said

Four letters supported the project, describing supervised accommodation with wellbeing, rehabilitation, employability and community support for veterans.

“Bulldogs Boxing & Community Activities has been working for over a decade to support some of the most vulnerable individuals across South Wales, particularly homeless veterans, young people and adults facing barriers to wellbeing and inclusion. We are now proposing to renovate the property, to create a safe, supportive environment that provides not only accommodation but also wraparound wellbeing and rehabilitation support.”

“While the proposed use may technically fall under a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) classification, it is important to highlight that this project differs significantly from a traditional HMO model. Each resident will receive dedicated, structured support from The Bulldogs’ qualified staff and partner agencies, focusing on wellbeing, employability and reintegration into the community.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The local member spoke about concerns, and the Head of Major Development and Investment presented the application to the committee.

The committee decision

The committee approved the application in accordance with the Director of Prosperity and Development’s recommendation.

“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.”

Minutes