Elgan Hearn

Positive Care Limited has applied to convert the former Job Centre Plus on Upper Coronation Street in Tredegar into a vocational construction skills training centre, potentially creating five jobs. The building, vacant since 2017, would undergo mainly internal alterations, window and door replacement, roof repairs, and security improvements following vandalism and arson. Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council is expected to decide on the applications by late September. Earlier plans to convert the property into an 11-bedroom bed and breakfast were rejected in 2021 amid concerns it could become accommodation for people released from prison.

Cable Properties Limited has applied to convert the former shop at 60 Beaufort Street in Brynmawr into four ground-floor retail or commercial units and six flats above. The proposal includes two one-bedroom and four two-bedroom apartments, with the developer arguing that reusing the vacant building will support town-centre vitality and provide economic and housing benefits. Blaenau Gwent County Council is expected to decide the application by September 7. The project follows a separate approval for converting two nearby former shops into an indoor children’s play area and seven flats.

Councillors in Blaenau Gwent raised concerns that a new joint Local Development Plan with Torfaen may not be adopted until 2030, leaving the area vulnerable to planning challenges. Planning officials explained that the long timeline reflects legal requirements but may be accelerated depending on public responses. Members warned that delays could threaten housing and economic development ambitions, particularly after the council discontinued work on its own replacement plan. The current LDP remains in effect, and a new joint director will lead the development of the updated plan.