The scheme will transform 92-94 Holton Road, currently an empty retail unit that previously housed Burtons, into seven flats and two studio apartments.
The transformation will take place across the basement, ground, first, second, and roof levels, and will include the addition of three new rear dormers.
Two commercial units will cover the basement and ground floor levels.
Originally, a proposal to convert the site into 11 flats had been submitted but was rejected, leading to the revised plan with an amended internal and external layout.
The approved residential accommodation will include three two-bed flats, four one-bed flats, and two studio flats.
These will all be behind the proposed commercial units on the ground and basement floors and across the upper floors of the property.
Access to the flats will be through the existing entrance on Holton Road, with two new doors providing separate access to each of the proposed commercial units.
At the back of the property, the existing coach house will be partially demolished, with the remainder becoming a cycle and bin store.
The remaining outdoor space will be used for residents.
Barry Town Council raised objections to the proposal, citing concerns about potential overdevelopment of the site.
They called for the ground floor to remain for A1 use and highlighted the necessity of ensuring the proposed rear elevation alterations, including the addition of dormers, would not cause unacceptable overlooking.
The committee also showed an interest in seeing disabled access included in the proposed properties.
The application initially faced refusal because it lacked evidence showing that the retail unit had been appropriately marketed.
The absence of such evidence suggested that converting a part of the existing retail unit could adversely affect the Holton Road District Shopping Centre’s role and function.
However, a letter from real estate agent Albany Property Services was later submitted in support of the revised proposal.
The letter provided a snapshot of the current market conditions on Holton Road, pointing out several large retail units have remained unoccupied for extended periods.
The letter attributed the increased void periods and decreased demand for larger units to high business rates, while suggesting that smaller retail units are notably more lettable.
It is acknowledged that this particular retail unit has been vacant for a number of years, since around 2016, and it is proposed for the remaining retail unit to be subdivided to provide two smaller commercial units, each with a basement for added shop floorspace or associated storage.
Planners acknowledged the unit’s prolonged vacancy, noting the building had become derelict over this time.
They appreciated the proposed development as a means to bring the property back to beneficial use, reaffirming its support for Holton Road’s retail function.
