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
Plans for a new nail salon in Blackwood town centre have been approved despite some local concerns about the prevalence of such businesses.
Applicant Binh Dinh Hoang has been granted planning permission to complete the conversion of a former estate agent’s office at the town’s 117 High Street.
A Caerphilly County Borough Council planning report shows the local authority received 14 objections during a recent public consultation period.
The objectors raised concerns “regarding the concentration of nail salons and similar businesses in Blackwood town centre”.
The planners said they had “noted” the objections, but the council “does not seek to regulate commercial competition”.
Its planning policy team had been consulted and raised no objections to the proposed change of use at the premises, they added.
In their assessment, the council planners said the new venture was “not considered to affect the vitality, viability or attractiveness of the town centre by markedly reducing footfall and spending and is considered complementary to its retail and commercial function”.
Mr Hoang’s application also showed he hopes to create four jobs at the salon.
They granted retrospective planning permission for the conversion, subject to conditions.