A PRE-PLANNING consultation to turn a former Neath Port Talbot bank in to housing has begun.
The plans could eventually see the former Barclays bank located at 48 Station Road, Port Talbot, turned in to 13 affordable flats if given the go-ahead by the local council.
The early stage proposals have been published by Evans Banks Planning Limited on behalf of LIFE Property, who are asking for comments and responses from residents before a full application can be submitted to the authority.
If approved, they would see the rear of the three-storey Port Talbot property turned into 13 flats with office space for businesses retained at the front.
Under the proposals the front of the building would be kept in its original form to preserve its “historic character” while the rear of the building is proposed to be “significantly redeveloped through the addition of a modern three-storey extension.”
The report says: “The layout includes two units on the ground floor, four on the first floor, four on the second floor, and three on the third floor.
“Each unit will feature a bedroom spacious enough to accommodate a double bed, a modestly sized bathroom, and an open-plan lounge, kitchen, and dining area.”
It adds that the development would help with town centre regeneration by providing affordable housing along with retaining the existing commercial frontage.
The site on Station Road is located directly opposite a Wetherspoons pub known as the Lord Caradoc as well as a number of other retail and leisure facilities.
It is based on a road that has seen a number of conversions of former commercial premises into flats or mixed‑use schemes over the last 15 years.
It comes after separate plans to transform a former Neath town centre bank into a bar and restaurant were launched earlier this year.
Responses to the Station Road consultation will now be open via Evans Banks Planning’s website until October 6, 2025.
