Plans to convert a section of Bear Lanes shopping centre in Newtown into flats have been approved.
The plans, which were put forward two months ago, will see redundant office space in the centre being converted into five new flats.
The plans will now see the buildings above the Works being converted into flats that developer Dunsmore Estates Ltd claim “will provide a much needed supply of sustainable town centre apartments to the local area.”
Powys County Council have approved the plans and had the backing of Newtown Town Council.
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The planning officer for Powys County Council said in their report that “the site is located within the primary shopping frontage of Newtown which is an area retail centre".
It added: “Given that the current ground floor retail uses would remain and that only the first and second floors would be converted to residential apartments it is considered that the proposed development complies with LDP Policies R1 and R3.”
They added: “The proposal would result in minimal changes to external appearance of the property, with the only changes being the replacement of the existing fire escape doors on the rear elevation (viewed from within the shopping centre) to be replaced with two windows. Replacement glazing will also be required to the front and rear elevations.
“Given the minimal changes and subject to a condition requiring the details of the windows, it is considered that the development would complement the character of the town centre.”
Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council backed the plans so long as that was “confirmation that fire safety has been considered following the proposed replacement of the fire escape with fire windows and that noise reduction measures are to be taken so that the development does not impinge on existing night time trading businesses.”
Dunsmore Estates Ltd previously confirmed that “the ground floor retail function will remain as part of the proposals, in line with planning policy”.
This means there would be no impact on the shops below and “would not have an adverse impact on neighbouring properties”.
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