Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

A Grade II-listed former bank can be converted to a bar, restaurant and flats after getting planning approval. 

The HSBC branch on Pontypool’s Commercial Street, which closed in June 2023, was purpose built for the Midland Bank and, according to its listing by Welsh historic buildings body Cadw, was likely built between 1910 and 1915 or possibly as late as 1920. 

Its large banking hall is now set to become a dining area and bar while the decorative timber cashier’s desk is to be repositioned to form a counter.

Torfaen Borough Council planners have given the go-ahead despite the authority’s conservation officer criticising the heritage impact statement submitted with the application as “poor” and lacking detail. 

The officer however said the “vulnerability” of the currently vacant building meant the proposals, put forward by applicant Adil Razoq, should be granted change of use planning permission and the crucial listed building consent. 

They stated: “Ordinarily, this would be sufficient grounds to refuse Listed Building Consent (LBC). However, given that this is a key vulnerable building within the town centre and the level of change is relatively minimal, I am content to move the proposals forward to a positive decision, with details controlled by conditions in this instance.” 

The basement will be subdivided to create a kitchen for the restaurant and ancillary rooms for the business and one of the two flats that have also been approved. The flat with a combined living, dining, and kitchen space, as well as separate hallway, bedroom, and en-suite bathroom, will be accessed from the existing rear doors. 

A strong room in the bank, which was to be substantially demolished in the initial proposals, will be retained, with its original door, as it was discovered to be structurally significant, and its retention has pleased the conservation officer who said it will allow “further interpretation and understanding of the building’s former use.” 

A second flat will also be created at the first floor level of the three-storey yellow stone building which has five columns across its front. 

New partitions will be added to create a bedroom and bathroom for the second flat that will have its own entrance via the original masonry stairs. 

Only minimal external alerations are required to the building including installation of an extraction grill next to the entrance to the basement flat, and a small fresh air fan on an existing window, for air intake into the kitchen. 

Several air conditioning units would be removed from one side of the building while there will be bin and bike storage areas in the basement courtyard.