Plans to convert a former bank in Neath Port Talbot into emergency accommodation have been approved by the local council. The property on New Road in Skewen will be transformed into an emergency refuge facility after receiving the go-ahead at a Neath Port Talbot Council planning committee meeting.
Details of the Development
Under the approved scheme, the upper floors of the three-storey building will be converted into 13 self-contained residential units, while the ground floor will be retained for office use. The development also includes plans to build a three-storey rear extension at the high street site.
The application, which went before the planning committee on Tuesday, stated that typical referrals for the accommodation could include those experiencing homelessness, victims of domestic abuse, and vulnerable individuals requiring emergency short-term accommodation. It added that the facility will be run by a registered charity responsible for the day-to-day management of the building, who would occupy the ground floor offices.
Concerns Raised by Councillors and Residents
The report read: "The accommodation is intended to operate as a single, integrated facility providing temporary, supported accommodation for individuals in immediate housing need, including those experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse, family breakdown or other emergency circumstances."
The application was called in to the meeting by councillor Nathan Goldup-John, who raised concerns over the scale of the rear extension, the impacts on the external appearance of the building, and how it would be operated. He also questioned the quality of the accommodation, which he felt could leave residents living in small rooms with no outdoor space.
Residents also noted concerns with potential pressures on parking, drainage systems described as unfit for purpose, and a potential loss of privacy.
Approval and Management
A representative speaking on behalf of the applicant said the plans had come forward after extensive consultation, with the initial number of rooms reduced from 14 to 13 in order to protect privacy. He added that there were plans for the building to be managed by Welsh homeless charity, The Wallich, and that it would provide much needed emergency accommodation for the area.
Council officers at the meeting said they recommended the plans for approval and felt the scheme represented an appropriate form of development that would have no unacceptable impact on residential amenity, highway or pedestrian safety. The plans were later approved with a recorded vote in which seven members voted in favour and one member abstained.
