Former Halifax Branch in Colwyn Bay Could Be Converted into a Shop

Colwyn Bay’s former Halifax branch could be converted into a shop.
Applicant Kaleem Ahmed, of Knightsbridge Property Development, has applied to Conwy County Council’s planning department, seeking permission for a change of use of 7 Penrhyn Road from a bank and building society.
Mr Ahmed wants permission to change the use to commercial use, such as a shop, while also creating two additional apartments.
According to the planning application, the building currently houses three vacant flats, one flat on the first floor and two on the second.
The developer plans to create the additional two flats by converting a first-floor office and remodelling the first-floor apartment.
The new additional flats would have a market value of £44,000 and £35,000 respectively.
The application was submitted after an earlier attempt of conversion was refused because the council said the plans did not support its affordable housing policy.
According to the application, the change of use would create one full-time job.
Colwyn Bay’s Halifax closed in the summer of 2019, citing falling footfall.
The bank, which is part of the Lloyds Banking Group, wrote to customers informing them of the closure, insisting online banking was reducing the number of customers using high-street branches.
The plans will likely be debated at a future Conwy County Council planning committee meeting at Bodlondeb.

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter