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An “idle and vacant” commercial unit in Blackwood could be converted into a new funeral director business.

Applicant Mohammad Jaura, of FM Global, has applied to Caerphilly County Borough Council for planning permission to alter the rear unit at 79 High Street.

In his application, he said the site is currently unused, “attracting antisocial behaviour”.

“We advertised this space for commercial use a few months ago to gauge interest, and the recurring theme was from funeral directors – for which there is a shortage in the area – and health or weight-loss clinics,” he wrote.

Mr Jaura is now seeking planning permission “specifically pursuing the interest of a funeral director”.

“This proposal aims to revitalise the space, reduce antisocial behaviour, and contribute positively to the local community by creating job opportunities and providing essential goods and services,” he added.

Planning documents show two jobs could be created at the converted premises, where the requested opening hours are from 8am to 6pm on weekdays, from 8am to 5pm on Saturdays, and from 9am to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays.

According to the application form, work on the site began in early June but had not been completed – meaning any planning permission will be partially retrospective.

Mr Jaura also pointed to the previous conversion of two other front-facing units of 79 High Street, between 2022 and 2023, which he said have “since flourished”.

“We aim to achieve the same success with this third unit, which has been suffering,” he added.

The application is currently out for consultation, and can be viewed on the Caerphilly County Borough Council website under reference 25/0399/RET.