Demolition plans submitted for two derelict Bridgend buildings, paving the way for new bar and restaurant development

The demolition of two well-known Bridgend eyesores could be given the go-ahead this year, after plans were submitted to the local authority for a new bar and restaurant earlier this month.
The plans could see the former Ranch chip shop and Welcome to Town pub on Nolton Street torn down by contractors working on behalf of HD Limited, to make way for the new development.
Both buildings at 53 and 55 Nolton Street have been left vacant in recent years after The Ranch was destroyed in a fire in 2020 and left derelict, with a caved-in roof, boarded-up windows, large holes in the exterior and piles of debris inside.
The Welcome to Town pub, which was popular in the 1970s and 80s, has also been closed for decades, which has caused a number of frustrations forlocals who questioned why the council had allowed the area to deteriorate into such a state.
However, the area which currently has its pavements fenced off from the public, could now be given a new lease of life after a demolition notice was  issued for both buildings.
Potential plans for the site include the development of a bar and restaurant with a landscaped outdoor terrace, which have been submitted under the title of Nolton Gardens.
The proposals come just months after independent councillor Ian Williams of Oldcastle asked members for an update on what steps were being taken by the council to deal with derelict buildings, particularly those based in Bridgend town centre, which had been described as being in a “disgraceful state.”
The council said an empty properties working group had been set up to examine and support the most problematic buildings. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​