A FORMER Salvation Army building in Merthyr Tydfil could be turned into flats.
An application has been submitted to convert the building in Perrott Street, Treharris, into up to 10 self-contained apartments.
The design and access statement submitted with it says that the property has been vacant and decaying for many years and is vulnerable to vandalism and arson.
It says bringing the building into use will make the site safer and the proposals will visually enhance the appearance of the property as well as helping the hall appear more prominent.
The statement says the building will remain unchanged in its general appearance and the re-rendering, replacement of windows, and removal of the unsightly fire escape along with landscaping to the rear will enhance the appearance of the building within the conservation area.
It says time-restricted on-street parking is available in Perrott Street and the site is less than 100m from a large public car park and the site is “well-positioned” for access by public transport with a bus stop situated across the road from the building.
The statement says: “The proposals aim to enhance the visual appearance of the property as well as create a positive ‘gateway’ to the town centre due to its proximity just within Treharris.”
Full planning approval was granted in April 2017 for the conversion of the building into an “aparthotel”.
The design and access statement says this was a more intensive use of the building then the new proposed use and that scheme was never carried out and the site was sold to the applicant.
The statement says a fire in the building has caused greater deterioration.
It says the previous approved scheme had no off-street car parking associated with it due to the large public car park adjoining the site.
