PROPOSALS to turn former council offices near Ebbw Vale town centre into a 38-bedroom hotel have been supported by Blaenau Gwent’s planning committee.

The Bridge Street offices, once occupied by the authority’s social services department, were subject to a community asset transfer in 2016.

Councillors from the committee looked over the plans for the hotel, submitted by the Essex-based firm Future Visions.

The offices are located on the corner of Bridge Street and Colliers’ Row and there were 53 letters of objection from residents.

Steve Smith, Blaenau Gwent’s service manager for development, told the committee that the part of the support for the proposal came from a “lack of bed space in the borough”.

He added that the 38-bedroom hotel, which would employ six people and include a dining area, reception and bar would contribute to Ebbw Vale’s regeneration.

“The site is within what we have determined the Northern Corridor regeneration area,” said Mr Smith.

“That’s an area inside the LDP where the council is promoting sites for development.

“The council’s own evidence suggests there is a lack of bed space, as I’ve said, in the borough.

“Welsh planning policy says that these sort of uses are best in and around our town centres.

“We did ask the developer to carry out a sequential test to see if there was sites better suited to this within the town centres. That sequential test has confirmed that there aren’t.”

Mike Sheppard, a Libanus Road resident, objected to the plans and addressed the committee on a number issues, notably safety.

“What about safety? The rear of the houses in Colliers’ Row open straight out onto the road,” he said.

“There is danger here. I am making you aware of this now because I think if they open a hotel, there will be increased danger.

“The people who live along there, for example elderly, disabled, young children run straight out into the road. Deaf people who wouldn’t necessarily hear a vehicle coming.”

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Munawar Hussain, moved to allay the concerns of Mr Sheppard, adding “the local residents are our top priority”.

Cllr Gareth Leslie Davies, the Plaid Cymru member for the Cwm ward, asked about who would be using the hotel.

“We’ve seen a lot of these developments in the borough,” he said, “Will there be any long-term residents in this hotel?”

Mr Smith replied that providing the bill is paid, anyone can stay in a hotel for “one day, one week, one month, one year.”

“The planning application clearly states it is for a hotel,” said he said.

“There is no restriction how long someone can stay in a hotel providing you pay.”

Ten members of the council voted in favour of the proposal, with Cllr Derrick Bevan of the Cwm ward the only councillor to abstain.