10-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Newport: Clarence Place shop to takeaway plan rejected
The application for the Grade II listed building at 12 Clarence Place, Newport, was submitted by A Q Xavier.
The proposal included the installation of a 7.3m high and 500mm wide extraction flue pipe at the rear of the property, which was deemed "visually intrusive" and potentially damaging to the historic brickwork.
The decision to refuse the application came after several issues were identified.
These included the absence of a listed building consent (LBC) or a heritage impact statement, both mandatory for listed structures.
The ground floor shopfront was also unfinished, lacking proposed details or drawings for necessary alterations.
The environmental health officer evaluated the odour risk from the proposed kitchen extraction system as high, with very high grease output and close proximity to residential bedrooms.
No noise impact assessment was submitted.
One public objection was received from a nearby resident at Flat 53, Old Arts College, citing concerns about "late night noise – delivery drivers, customers and staff… odours… E-bikes and scooters blocking pavement… late night working and associated noise, disturbance and littering."
The principal heritage officer also objected, stating: "A large stainless-steel flue would completely disrupt the harmony and character of the terrace's rear elevation… damaging historic fabric."
Despite the commercial location of the site and some support for reusing the long-vacant unit, these issues were deemed unacceptable under policies SP9, GP2, and GP7 of the Newport Local Development Plan.
The application was refused due to the potential harm to the listed building's character and inadequate information on key elements, along with potential adverse impacts on residential amenity through odour and noise.
The decision was made after the statutory period, which expired on May 30, 2025, and was recorded as a delegated decision.
