PLANS to convert a Cardigan town centre store building to a one-bed dwelling have been given the go-ahead despite concerns raised about access and wood-burning fuel being used at the property.
In an application before Ceredigion County Council planners, Phineas Brook sought permission for the conversion of a building known as The Stores into a one-bed dwelling with integrated garage at Williams Row, Cardigan.
The building itself, in the town’s conservation area, has been empty for more than two decades; a 2007 permission for a similar scheme was previously granted but now lapsed.
A supporting statement says the scheme “supports and demonstrates a sensitive and positive redevelopment of an architecturally unique building,” adding: “The development would add to the character of the area and sympathetically renovate a dilapidated, traditionally constructed building back to its former prime.”
Two objections to the scheme were received, from nearby Mount Zion Baptist Church and Cardigan Mercantile Company Ltd, whose yard adjoins the proposed scheme.
Mount Zion Baptist Church, on behalf of its trustees, said: “We object to one feature of the application as detailed below, but apart from this we support the application because it intends to provide another much needed dwelling in Cardigan. We object to the proposed installation of ‘Wood Burning technologies for hot water and heating’. These technologies are unsuitable for installation in central Cardigan, a part of the town with densely packed buildings.”
It adds: “Since the property will have a mains gas connection and gas boiler installed there is no justification for installing a wood burner. We also note that the Welsh Government may restrict wood burning significantly in the future to reduce air pollution, and also note that the level of air pollution from a wood burner is highly dependent on the quality of the fuel used, which will be difficult to control once the building is occupied.”
Cardigan Mercantile Company Ltd raised concerns about access and parking if this building was converted to residential, with a need for lessee Mountain Warehouse to have access to the yard at all times.
An officer report, recommending conditional approval, said: “No details have been submitted in relation to the wood burning stove and any associated chimney or flue. A condition will therefore be attached requesting full details to be submitted prior to installation, to ensure that the amenity of neighbouring residents won’t be adversely affected. Consultation will take place with the council’s Public Protection Team when the details are submitted. Secondly, the blocking of any private right of way would be a private / civil matter between the parties involved and would not be a matter for the council to enforce against.”
The application was conditionally approved.
