Up to five positions may be established should proposals to transform a former employment centre in Tredegar into a training facility secure approval from Blaenau Gwent planning officials.

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council was presented last month with the fourth planning submission for the Job Centre Plus premises on Upper Coronation Street in Tredegar.

The employment centre ceased operations in 2017.

Every submission has been filed by Positive Care Limited, with this latest request being the primary one seeking full planning consent to alter the building’s purpose from an employment office and training hub to a vocational construction skills training establishment.

Supporting documentation submitted with the proposal indicates that five staff members would be expected for the training centre.

Planning consultant Justin Samuel outlined the scheme in a green infrastructure statement. According to Mr Samuel, the application represents a significant change of use involving primarily internal modifications. Fresh windows and doors will be installed in existing openings. The roof will require re-covering owing to deterioration from age and deliberate damage. No external alterations are planned for the premises.

A ruling on the submission is anticipated by September 28.

Earlier in March, both full planning permission and Conservation Area Consent applications were submitted to the council to permit new security fencing, entrance gates and roller shutters to be erected around the perimeter and on the structure. This action follows extensive vandalism and arson attacks the property has endured since becoming vacant.

Mr Samuel explained that to attract financial backing and carry out restoration work, a secure perimeter must first be created to prevent additional criminal damage.

To facilitate the security fencing installation, Positive Care submitted an application in June to clear trees and several substantial branches.

A determination on all three of these submissions is anticipated before the month concludes.

In October 2021, proposals to convert the premises into an 11-bedroom guesthouse were turned down by members of the Blaenau Gwent planning committee.

The refusal stemmed from worries that the property would function as transitional accommodation and house individuals following their release from custody.