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Planners have approved the conversion of the former Troed y Bryn Surgery, in Penyrheol, into housing.

The building could be transformed into three one-bedroom and one two-bedroom apartments, according to an application by Edwards and Sons Developments Ltd, from Bedwas.

The outside appearance of the building, and its windows, could also be changed if the development goes ahead.

A planning statement, submitted by agents CLC Construction Consultants Ltd, argued that converting the former surgery to business use would be “unviable” due to related costs and a “lack of demand for commercial property at this location”.

“It is considered that conversion to residential use is the most appropriate for this building,” the agents added. “It is surrounded by residential properties and its location is fully sustainable not just with [the] availability of local shopping, but two bus routes serve the locality.”

Caerphilly County Borough Council planning officers agreed, noting that the proposed development would mean the loss of a community facility, but the service of a GP surgery “has been provided elsewhere”.

Troed y Bryn was one of two medical facilities in Caerphilly which closed down in April 2020.

Patients at the surgery were “directed to healthcare access at Nantgarw Road, Abertridwr, and Llanbradach surgeries”, the council planners noted, concluding “it has therefore been demonstrated that the facility is currently surplus to requirements”.

The council did not receive any objections from nearby residents during a recent consultation on the plans.

Officers granted planning permission, subject to conditions.