Plans to convert a dilapidated building in Llanelli into a restaurant-wine bar have been given the go-ahead.
The Bridge Street building is in the Llanelli Conservation Area and comprises three terraced retail units which have been empty for years.
Nearby is grade one-listed Llanelly House, which has been restored, and other listed buildings such as St Elli Church.
Different options, including residential use, were explored by the Bridge Street building’s owner, Jonathan Swift, according to a design and access statement submitted on their behalf.
The statement said: “The units of this application are vacant, underutilised and in dire need of regeneration.
“There is little realistic prospect of occupation of the units in their current form.”
It added: “The site has been purchased by the applicants and it is their intention, as per another current successful business operation in the town, to trade from it – it is therefore not speculative in nature.”
The restaurant-wine bar, which will feature a small rear extension, will be open during the day and evening and is expected to generate jobs and help increase commercial footfall in the town.
Carmarthenshire Council’s planning department approved the application, subject to a number of conditions, including that traditional iron handrails must be used for the balcony and stairs.
Among those commenting on the plans was Llanelli and District Civic Society, which said it was pleased that the refurbishment of a “very dilapidated building” had been proposed. The society did, however, suggest a number of amendments.
The council’s built heritage officer said he was very supportive of the application, and made recommendations including that window materials, doors and drainpipes were a traditional type, not UPVC, and that a chimney be retained.
