Unit 19 at The Mall in Cwmbran could be repurposed for food and drink service, though additional details would be required before any hot food preparation begins.
L&C Investments, the shopping centre owners, received approval from Torfaen Borough Council to modify the planning classification from A1, which permits retail use, to a mixed A1/A3 classification allowing food and beverage operations.
The application stated that no specific tenant had been confirmed for the space, noting that a business had expressed interest in selling drinks and baked goods from the unit, though this remained preliminary.
Planning officer Simon Pritchard determined in the approval report that the change of use posed no objection in principle.
However, a condition was attached requiring that details of any equipment such as ventilation systems, fans and extraction units must be submitted to the council’s environmental health team for review and authorisation should the unit be used to cook hot food.
Environmental health officials indicated they were unable to conduct a thorough assessment of the proposal due to insufficient information.
Concerns were raised regarding the proximity of residential accommodation at Monmouth House.
Pritchard noted that definitive specifications could not be provided without a confirmed occupier.
He also observed that individuals residing in commercial districts should recognise that the same standards of amenity afforded to suburban properties may not be applicable.
Trading hours were restricted to between 9am and 5pm Monday through Saturday, with Sunday trading limited to 10am until 4pm, consistent with the hours specified in the planning submission.