Plans to transform the site of a former supermarket in Blackwood into two new shops and a gym have been given the green light by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s planning committee.
The site in the Market Place in Blackwood’s town centre has been vacant for nine years, and previously homed supermarket Somerfield.
Applicant Blackmarsh Properties wants to divide the existing 1,978 square metre unit into three smaller units, comprising of two retail and one leisure unit, which would be the largest of the three.
Plans were consulted with 19 neighbouring properties, and despite receiving eight letters of objection, the proposals were passed unanimously by the planning committee on Wednesday January 11.
Objections focused on the proposed gym, questioning the need for such a large premises, whether another gym was required in the area, and highlighted concerns that the late-night opening times would attract ‘boy racers’ back into the town.
However, the planning committee considered Blackmarsh’s proposals a positive boost to both employment and vitality in Blackwood, and stated that if the 11pm closing time resulted in anti-social behaviour in the car park, “this would be a police matter”.
Blackwood councillor Nigel Dix said: “This is a positive move for the area, after the unit has been derelict and vandalised for so long.
“There had been concerns from residents over the fact it was unoccupied, so I think it’s a good move for the town.
“The developers took on our concerns over some details of the plan, and added in conditions that were recommended. Blackwood is residential and businesses have to be mindful of that and take the concerns of residents on board.
“I’m happy with the way it worked out, and it’s another tick for Blackwood as we hold our own as a town.
“We’ve previously dealt with boy racers in the town centre, and we’ll continue to monitor things in the unit’s car park.”