PLANS for a new coffee and tapas bar in Llantrisant have been recommended for refusal by planning officers.
An application for Traditional Toys, 6 Bullring involves the change of use from a shop and is due to go before Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) planning committee on Thursday, March 5.
Councillor Glynne Holmes requested that the matter to come to committee so members can consider the full scope of the proposal.
The proposed change of use would include internal alterations designed to support the effective operation of the business with no external alterations proposed.
It would use floorspace across two levels with storage and preparation areas, trading space and seating on the ground floor and additional seating provided on the first floor.
The proposed opening hours are 9am to 12am from Mondays to Saturdays and from 10am to 11pm on Sundays and bank holidays.
There was one letter of objection from the public which raised concern about the loss of privacy due to the proximity to neighbouring property as customers will pass by existing front windows.
They also mentioned that noise and disturbance caused by the proposed use will come through walls and the noise and disturbance caused by vehicles who will use area outside of a neighbouring property as a pick up and drop off point as well as delivery vehicles.
They mentioned existing parking issues in Llantrisant which result in no additional parking for the proposed use and that the lack of parking will increase the potential for drop off and pick up outside of a neighbouring property.
They also raised concern that opening hours would be late into the night, future plans to sell alcohol and the impact upon quality of life.
In recommending refusal, the planning report says: “The proposed change of use from an A1 retail unit to an A3 café/tapas bar is considered unacceptable as it would result in a level and pattern of activity that would cause significant harm to the amenity of neighbouring residents.
“The nature of an A3 use, including prolonged customer stays, increased internal noise, late‑evening activity and customers congregating outside, would generate materially greater noise and disturbance than the existing retail use.
“Given the terraced form of the building and the close proximity of adjoining residential properties, these impacts would lead to an unacceptable loss of residential amenity.”
