Evans Banks Planning, on behalf of LIFE Property Group Ltd, has published plans to redevelop 48 Station Road — most recently used as a TSB branch — into a mix of residential and commercial space.
The scheme would see the historic three‑storey stone frontage on Station Road preserved and refurbished for continued business use as offices, while the rear of the building would be demolished and replaced with a modern three‑storey extension containing 13 one‑bedroom affordable flats.
Retaining heritage, adding modern living space
The Design and Access Statement says the front elevation, with its arched entrance and sash windows, will be kept to maintain the street’s historic character. Behind it, the new extension would align with the existing roofline but adopt a contemporary style, with large windows, balconies and modern materials to clearly distinguish old from new.
The flats would be spread across all floors — two on the ground floor, four on the first, four on the second, and three on the third — each with an open‑plan lounge/kitchen/diner, bathroom, and double bedroom.
Access, parking and active travel
The main entrance to the flats would be on the building’s side, with a secondary rear access leading to secure cycle storage. Four off‑street parking spaces are proposed at the back, alongside the retained rear access for the office space.
The site’s town centre location — just 400 metres from Port Talbot Parkway railway station and close to frequent bus services — is highlighted as a key sustainability benefit, reducing reliance on private cars.
Biodiversity and flood resilience
Although the site is in a highly urban setting, the plans include installing bat and bird boxes to enhance biodiversity. The building lies within a defended flood zone, and the design avoids placing residential accommodation at ground floor level, with flood‑resilient construction measures proposed.
Part of a wider regeneration trend
Station Road has seen a wave of conversions of former commercial premises into flats or mixed‑use schemes in recent years. The applicant says this project would make efficient use of a brownfield site, deliver much‑needed affordable housing, and support the vitality of the town centre by keeping a commercial presence at street level.
The statutory pre‑application consultation runs for 28 days, with full details and feedback forms available on Evans Banks Planning’s consultation page.
