A derelict, asbestos-filled Powys garage is to be knocked down and become the new home of a well-known local business.

The garage on Tudor Road in Llandrindod Wells will be demolished after Powys County Council granted planning permission for the site to be turned into a new home for Ashlays flooring.

The new site will be a mix of a warehouse and a retail front, moving away from their current space on the High Street.

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In their application to Powys County Council the company said: “Upon the site, there is a derelict garage which is structurally unsafe.

"The new structure will be rebuilt with modern materials trying to match the style of the existing building and rotating the orientation of the building 180 degrees to make the best use of the site.

“The new structure will become a retail and warehouse space.

"Currently, the owner utilises a shopfront on the high street and the warehouse behind but is looking to move into this purpose-built structure so that the shopfront and warehouse can be refurbished and utilised for something more beneficial to the local community.”

In the application Proteus management who submitted the plans on behalf of the company said: “The current structure poses significant risks to public health and safety due to its unsound structure and the presence of asbestos. Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious health problems if it is not handled and disposed of properly.

“The asbestos in the roof covering of the garage presents a significant risk to the surrounding area, as it can release asbestos fibres into the air if it is disturbed or damaged

They added that “the large cracks within the structure's brickwork also pose a risk to public safety, as they could potentially lead to the collapse of the building. The fact that the system has been unused for several years increases the risk of failure, as the building may have yet to be maintained or inspected.”

They said that the new retail space “will be designed to provide a welcoming and accessible environment for customers, with access for disabled customers.

“The warehouse area optimises storage space and provides efficient loading and unloading facilities for trucks and other vehicles.”