Is a new lease of life in store for former pub?
A NUMBER of planning applications have been lodged in the past week that could alter the face of communities across Neath Port Talbot.
Among some of the applications received by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council are proposals to change a former pub in Skewen into a shop, plans to create a new playpark in Blaengwynfi, and a proposal to demolish a major discount store and gym in favour of a new supermarket.
A change of use planning application has been made to turn the former Miner’s Arms in Skewen, near Neath, into a shop.
The development would see new frontage on the building and a reconfiguration of its interior if approved.
The plans also include proposals for the creation of a family dwelling on the first floor. The Miner’s Arms announced its closure in 2019.
The village of Blaengwynfi, near Cymmer in the Afan Valley, could be home to an all-new playpark.
If approved, the play area for older children over the age of 10 would include a swing, rota glide and a multi unit – featuring a range of climbing, sliding and interactive play units.
A steel “youth shelter” is also part of the proposals.
The play area, estimated to cost up to £81,000, would be located behind the Blaengwynfi Miners Community Hall, between Jersey Road and Park Lane.
Plans to demolish Poundstretcher and the Vital Health & Fitness gym at Castle Retail Park in Briton Ferry have been put forward.
The application, made by Lidl Great Britain Limited, would see a new and expanded branch of the major food store built in their place if approved.
There is already a Lidl store on site. However, the applicants said an expanded “fit-for-purpose” store is needed to meet “current operational requirements”.
The total floorspace of the replacement building would be 2,298 square metres – a significant increase on the size of the current store, but a 186 square metre decrease on the size of the total commercial floorspace on site.
The total number of parking spaces on site would also reduce from 183 spaces to 151 spaces.
If approved, the access to the site would remain as the existing one from School Road.