A FORMER Brynmawr church and cemetery is to be turned into a row of shops after Blaenau Gwent Council gave the go ahead yesterday.

Councillors yesterday voted in favour of an application to turn the former Rehoboth Congregational Church in King Street into four retail units, two selling food and drink and possible fast food.

In the application, put in by Cardiff-based Park Place Investors, the plan was set out for four retail units across 473 square meters.

There will be a customer car park providing 14 spaces as well as a servicing and delivery area.

A report to Blaenau Gwent Council’s planning committee said the site, which has lain vacant for a number of years, no longer has any human remains after they were cleared in 2009.

But it added “there is the possibility that further remains may be discovered during construction” and if so construction work would pause immediately.

Four objections were received following a public consultation where 61 letters were sent to nearby houses.

Objections included questions over why these shops were needed when so many lie vacant in the town centre as well as concerns over increased traffic and increased noise during opening hours and litter.

Other objections suggested housing would be a “more appropriate and supported use”.

But councillors agreed with the report, put together by case officer Steph Brown, which said: “The applicant has considered the impact on the existing town centre.

“He contends that the proposed development will lead to a qualitative improvement in the choice and range of facilities on offer so that the town centre better meets local consumer expectations and need.

“It will also increase Brynmawr’s market share in order for it to better fulfil its role as a district centre.

“I am satisfied that the applicant has demonstrated the need for such a development without detriment to the vitality and viability of Brynmawr town centre.”

The decision was taken at a meeting of Blaenau Gwent Council’s planning committee yesterday with one amendment made to reduce the opening hours of the shops.