PLANNING DECISIONS IN TORFAEN (APRIL 20-26)
A round-up of the latest planning approvals and decisions made by Torfaen council during the week of April 20 to 26.
Conversion of agricultural barn to nursery
Plans to transform a listed agricultural barn in Pontymoile, Pontypool, into a children’s day nursery with accompanying office facilities have been given the go-ahead.
The structure, located at Court Farm on Usk Road, forms part of the Small Corn Barn complex.
Torfaen council has approved the discharge of a planning condition concerning insulated render and mortar mix, following receipt of detailed specifications and photographic samples.
The approved scheme encompasses the installation of windows and doors within existing openings, alongside new insulation, ventilation systems, a mezzanine level, and independent wall linings incorporating insulation.
The council’s heritage officer assessed the plans and concluded the works would maintain the character of the listed building.
Heritage building repairs at Big Pit
Consent has been granted for repair and replacement works to doors and windows at the listed fan house at Big Pit in Blaenafon.
The application forms part of a larger initiative involving demolition and replacement of an extension, construction of an external pathway, and additional repair works.
The submitted method statement for the doors and windows was deemed clear and consistent with established conservation principles.
Certain elements proposed for removal are of modern construction and will be replaced on a like-for-like basis, while original historic fabric will be preserved wherever feasible.
The repairs will now proceed as part of the wider restoration programme.
Off-street parking at Llanyravon property
Approval has been granted for converting a sloping front garden at 45 Liswerry Drive, Llanyravon, Cwmbran, into a driveway providing two off-street parking spaces.
The scheme includes ground engineering to regrade the garden, removal of the front lawn, and construction of a rendered retaining wall approximately 1.5 metres tall.
The hardstanding will use a permeable surface and sit alongside existing access steps.
Although the loss of greenery is unfortunate, the arrangement mirrors the existing driveway at the neighbouring property at No. 43 and would not result in significant visual harm.
No objections were submitted, and council highways officers raised no safety concerns.
The approved plans will reduce demand for on-street parking and were considered acceptable overall.
Former nursery school to be demolished
Prior approval has been granted for demolition of the former Brynteg Nursery School in Brynteg, Abersychan.
The process, anticipated to take approximately one month, will commence with soft stripping followed by mechanical demolition of the prefabricated building.
A 2-metre-high Heras fence fitted with Monoflex sheeting will surround the site to control dust and restrict visibility.
Work will be confined to weekdays between 8am and 4pm, with Saturday operations from 8am to 1pm. Noisy activities will not commence before 8.30am.
No work will occur on Sundays or public holidays.
All demolition waste will be removed from the site without crushing or burning on location.
The council stated that noise and dust management measures would safeguard neighbouring properties, with disturbance not expected to reach unacceptable levels.
New driveway in Abersychan
Planning permission has been approved for a new driveway at 98 Railway Cottages, Station Street, Abersychan, Pontypool.
The scheme includes a new access and vehicle turning area for two cars, positioned to the side of the property and accessed directly from the A4043.
Powder-coated steel railings standing 940mm high will border the parking area, with stone and rendered blockwork used for retaining walls.
Council officers verified that the layout provides suitable turning facilities and adequate visibility splays.
The property currently lacks off-street parking, meaning residents must park on the opposite side of Cwmavon Road or along Cwmavon Road itself.
Due to the minimal environmental impact and enhanced parking facilities, the application was approved.