Ten “high-quality” flats can replace a former bank building in Blackwood town centre, planning officers have agreed.

Barclays closed its branch at 85 High Street in 2024, but has continued to provide some services on weekdays at the town’s Libanus Lifestyle.

Spread over five floors, the building is in a “prominent” central location and has a “strong architectural appearance”, planners at Caerphilly County Borough Council said.

Plans show one flat will be located on the lower ground floor, with three more each on the ground- and first floor, two more on the second floor, and the remaining flat in the building’s attic.

Six of the proposed homes will have two bedrooms, with a further three one-bedroom flats and a single three-bedroom flat on the lower level.

Previously, a design statement by applicant BlueSky Property Developments Ltd said the project “maximises the potential of this centrally located building, providing ten high-quality residential flats in place of outdated commercial spaces”.

The proposed redevelopment also “responds to local housing demand, enhances the vitality of the High Street, and introduces limited but valuable private parking”, they added.

Four letters of objection were lodged with the council during a public consultation period, focusing on “not enough parking”, the design and size of the flats, and the location of homes in a commercial area.

But council planners said the former bank building was “well-located for future occupiers to benefit from local parks and areas of open space”.

Officers accepted the eight proposed parking spaces fell short of what was required at the flats, but noted the location in the town centre would mean future residents have a “safe and easy access of local facilities and services”.

They added the building would be brought “into a beneficial use” and said the design of the homes was considered acceptable.

The officers agreed to grant planning permission for the project, subject to conditions.