A call to redevelop a Pembrokeshire town centre Barclays bank building, empty since 2018, has been given the go-ahead by county planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, local business BP Betterspoons Ltd, through agent GMW Design, sought permission for a change of use of the former Barclays Bank, Market Square, Fishguard – in the town’s conservation area – to a flexible retail use, along with alterations to the building and the creation of two residential flats.
A supporting statement prepared by Johnston Planning Ltd said: “The applicants are a local business who run a number of successful hospitality establishments within the county, they seek the refurbishment of the existing building and aspire to a flexible retail use (covering use classes A1, A2 & A3) in order to maximise the potential for continued occupation of this prominent town centre building.
“This is a large detached two storey structure (with additional roof accommodation) occupying a prominent position on the main square in the centre of Fishguard flanked by the Royal Oak (separated by an alleyway) to the west and St Marys Church (separated by a portion of the cemetery) to the east.”
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It says the currently vacant building “clearly has a negative impact on the character of the centre especially given its central position within the town,” adding the proposal “would clearly have a beneficial impact on the character of the conservation area.”
It concluded: “The scheme as proposed seeks the refurbishment and re-use of an existing building within the primary town centre location and the Fishguard Conservation Area. Given the primary frontage location maximum scope is sought for the proposed retail use in order to maximise the chances for full and meaningful occupation in a fashion that will enhance the vitality and viability of the town centre.
“The expansion of use is considered to be acceptable and manageable in planning terms. Similarly the scheme seeks to introduce an additional residential unit within the existing building footprint thereby maximising its potential whilst simultaneously adding to the provision of housing in the plan area.”
The application was conditionally approved by county planners.