Halifax Branch in Colwyn Bay to be Converted into Shop with Additional Flats

Colwyn Bay’s former Halifax branch could be converted into a shop.
Applicant Kaleem Ahmed, of Knightsbridge Property Development, has been granted permission by Conwy County Council’s planning department, to change the use of 7 Penrhyn Road from a bank and building society.
Mr Ahmed has been granted permission to use the shop for ‘commercial use’ such as a shop but will also create two additional apartments.
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 developer claims the new additional flats will have a market value of £44,000 and £35,000 respectively.
The planning application was resubmitted after an earlier attempt of conversion was refused because Conwy said the plans did not support the council’s policy on affordable housing.
The new shop will create one full-time job.
The Halifax branch closed five years ago citing low footfall.
At the time, Halifax sent letters to customers informing them of the closure, claiming online banking was reducing the need for high-street branches.

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter