Owners of Cwmbran Centre Apply for Change of Use Planning Permission for Former Shop

THE owners of the Cwmbran Centre have applied for change of use planning permission for a former shop. 
L&C Investments wants to change the planning class of unit 19, The Mall from A1 which covers shops to a flexible use for either A1 or A3 which is permission for food and drink. 
A statement submitted with its application to Torfaen Borough Council explains: “There is no operational development proposed with this application, with only the change of use of use occurring. With this being the case the development is very limited in scope with no physical alterations taking place.” 
It also states both retail and food and drink are considered suitable for the location under the relevant planning policies including the policy that identifies the town centre as the focus for new retail and other town uses. 
It also said the potential food and drink use wouldn’t prejudice the vitality and viability of town centre retail and the predominant use of the area, which includes the Post Office and TJ Jones as well as River Island and shoe shop AG Meek, would remain in retail use. 
The plan is being considered by planners and the public has until Wednesday, August 26 to comment.  ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

By BBC LDRS ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​