PLANS to turn a former bank and pub in Pontypridd town centre into flats have been put on hold.
A decision on an application to convert the former HSBC branch in Taff Street into nine one-bedroom and studio flats was deferred by Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT)’s planning committee on Thursday, November 7.
The reasons for deferring the plan for five one-bedroom units and four studio flats included that the plans don’t suitably demonstrate the movement within the building and that it’s missing a connection between the ground floor and the basement, as well as a need for clarity over the classification of its future use.
If approved, on the first floor there will be one one-bedroom flat and two studio flats, on the second floor there will be two one-bedroom flats and one studio flat and on the third floor there will be two one-bedroom flats and one studio flat.
Originally built as the Butchers Arms Hotel, it was until recently the HSBC bank at the southern end of Taff Street, opposite the junction with Mill Street and north of the access lane to Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.
It is not a listed building but the planning report said it does contribute positively to the Pontypridd Town Centre Conservation Area.
No observations or objections have been received from the public relating to the application, the planning report said.
The report said externally, the proposals involve very little change to the fabric of the building other than the removal of an external staircase at the rear and a new aluminium glazed entrance and side screens.
Planning officers recommended approval, saying in their report: “The principle of the proposed development is compliant with key planning policy requirements at the local and national level and is otherwise acceptable in terms of relevant material planning considerations.
“Moreover, the proposals also offer the opportunity to bring an unused building which is starting to show signs of decay back into beneficial use at the heart of the town centre, bringing with it a positive impact on the vitality and viability of the town centre.”
