PLANS to convert a city centre building into six flats and two shops have been given the green light by Newport council.
The proposals aim to refurbish the 19th century, three-storey building on Charles Street, to bring it back into long-term use.
Two retail units are planned on the ground floor, while it is proposed to convert the upper floors into six additional flats.
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The same plans were approved in August, but changes to financial contributions towards affordable housing and leisure are being sought by the applicant.
Under the plans a new shop doorway would be created for the two retail units, which would include toilet and kitchen facilities.
The back of the building would provide a gym for residents’ use, a cycle and bin store and a lobby to serve the flats above.
The six flats are planned over the three upper floors, and include two one-bedroom and four two-bedroom homes.
An extension to the second and third floors is planned to make space for the flats.
“The proposal involves significant investment to significantly refurbish the property in order to provide a long-term economic future for the building which lies on the edge of the city’s shopping centre,” a design and access statement says.
“The property is currently vacant and therefore is presently making no contribution to the regeneration of the city.”
The building was last used for antiques sales and as a cafe, according to the plans.
It says the layout of the building also reflects its use as a pub with a bar area.
A planning report says the development is not required to provide parking spaces due to the building being located close to the city centre.
The proposed extension to the back of the building would stop some light entering neighbouring windows, but planners said the situation would not be uncommon in a “densely urban environment.”
One of the third floor flats will only be served by roof lights as two dormer windows originally planned were deemed to be “overly dominant” for the town centre conservation area.
But planners said the development “provides an acceptable compromise between preserving the character of the conservation area and providing an acceptable living standard.”
A decision approving the plans was issued on Friday, May 15.
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