PLANS to convert a fashion store in Newport city centre into a 24-hour restaurant and takeaway have taken a step forward.

A planning application, submitted to Newport City Council, has paved the way for 6-8 John Frost Square to be converted from a class A1 Shop to class A3 for food and drink use.

Currently, the retail space is occupied by clothes shop Select.

It is not currently known what the future might hold for this retailer in Newport.

According to planning documents, the proposal to change the use of the store was submitted to the council by agents Turley, on behalf of Kingsway Investments LLP – the owners of the Kingsway Shopping Centre.

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At this time, it is not known who might occupy the space once the change of use is implemented.

However, any new tenant is able to run their business on a 24-hour basis, if needed.

Plans show that it would be primarily used as a restaurant, with “ancillary takeaway and delivery service available – via Deliveroo”.

It is unclear how many people are expected to be employed inside the space, following its change of use.

As part of the application process, 51 neighbouring properties were given notice, though none returned a representation for consideration.

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What have planning bosses said?

In deciding the planning application, a council planning officer wrote: “It is considered that the use of the property as an A3 use would retain adequate levels of retail frontage in this area and draw customers to an area of the city centre which suffers from higher levels of vacancy.

“Planning Policy Wales encourages a mixture of uses in city centres, which would help to create an attractive and vibrant city centre.

“Although not entirely compliant with policy R3, it is considered that the benefits of the scheme would far outweigh the failings of the proposal against this policy.”

While permission has been granted, a condition has been attached.

Should work progress to operate hot food preparation and cooking at the unit, the new occupant is required to submit to the local planning authority details of their extraction plans, in order to minimise odour and disruption to surrounding businesses.