Cafe and flats could replace town’s former bank

The former Santander bank in Blackwood High Street could be revived as a new business and homes.

Major changes are proposed under new plans submitted to Caerphilly County Borough Council by applicant Fesal Sohail.

A new cafe or takeaway could replace the tellers’ counters and cash machines on the ground floor, in addition to three new flats upstairs.

The bank closed last June, as one of 95 Santander branches to shut across the UK – something the company said was in response to changing customer behaviour.

The new application seeks the property’s change of use to allow for a food business and residential accommodation.

Plans show the ground floor’s existing rooms, reception area, cash machines and counters would be removed, leaving a new open-plan commercial space.

The offices, toilets, secure room and kitchen on the first floor would be replaced by two studios and a one-bedroom apartment.

Each studio would include a bathroom, bedroom and an open plan kitchen and living room area that looks out onto High Street.

The apartment would include the same features with views to the side and rear of the property.

The application is currently out for consultation, and can be viewed on the Caerphilly County Borough Council website under reference 26/0111/COU.