Plans for two-storey rear extension turned down due to size

PLANS to convert a home to provide visitor accommodation in Beaufort, Ebbw Vale, were rejected by councillors.

The application lodged by Andrew Nicholas was for a twostorey rear extension to provide kitchen, lounge, bedroom, bathroom and en-suite facilities at number seven Beaufort Terrace, Ebbw Vale.

A change of use application from a residential dwelling to bed and breakfast as well as demolishing an existing single-storey extension would also be part of the scheme.

The B&B would be operated from the nearby Badminton Club, which is a pub.

Planning officer Helen Hinton recommended the committee refuse the plan on the basis its mass, size, scale and positioning would have an overbearing impact and generate an increased level of overshadowing and loss of light detrimental to those living closest to the site.

The application had been “called in” front of the committee by the local councillors.

Cllr Chris Smith asked the committee to approve the application because of the “importance” that The Badminton has for the community in this part of Ebbw Vale.

Cllr Godfrey Thomas said: “We need the facilities for tourists and visitors.

“I fully support this application which would provide accommodation with many options, and will provide jobs.”

Committee chairwoman Cllr Lisa Winnett said: “If I read the plans right, any visitors staying in the B&B have to walk through the kitchen to get to the lounge.”

Ms Hinton confirmed this had been raised as a concern with the applicant.

Cllr Peter Baldwin added he would vote to refuse the application but hoped a new application for a smaller extension that didn’t affect the neighbours would be lodged in the future.

Six councillors voted to refuse the plans and three to approve the proposal.