SiopNEWydd Planning Application and Building Design

We are pleased to present here a series of plans and computer-generated images (CGI’s) for the SiopNEWydd design approved by the shop directors in May.  

This will be submitted for planning approval to Carmarthen County Council (CCC) around late July.  Necessary information such as access and design statement plus key professional reports are being prepared by our architect meantime.  All these documents will eventually be available for public scrutiny on the CCC planning portal.

As shown below the design is for a development in two phases. Initially phase 1 provides a new shop and post office with a small tea station facility and outdoor covered area.  Phase 2 would extend into this, incorporating a cafe with indoor seating and tables whenever we are ready to do so. 

The directors have adopted this prudent approach for several reasons.  Firstly to ensure our volunteer numbers and business is sufficiently successful and robust running the new shop before adding responsibility for a new cafe enterprise.  Our track record of running the shop and post office is strong, but we can’t yet demonstrate the same for a café.  Especially given current economic circumstances we believe funders would be wary of us doing too much at once, but positive about a cautious approach.  

A planning application for the combination of both phases demonstrates our future intentions, proves our sensible approach, and secures permission for the whole without needing any further planning permission.

Our community consultation clearly showed the shop and post office as highest priorities, with a cafe as highly desirable.  This design seeks therefore to secure the community’s ambitions.

The scheme is the culmination of much work by everyone. It reflects our wide community consultation run by Ways of Working and developed by our selected architect Huw Griffiths Associates (HGA) working closely with the project team and directors.

Designing the building involved taking careful account of many factors. The process involved HGA, the project team and directors as well as presentations, further consultation and feedback from the community. It also drew on professional advice including hydrology, mechanical and structural engineering, quantity surveyor (costing), ecology, planning, highways, and considerations of potential funding. This has demanded intense work and debate, significant adjustment, refinement, and compromise. Thanks to all for their contributions.

Overall, this final scheme:

• Has sustainability at its core -incorporating high levels of energy efficiency, solar generation and gain, natural ‘stack’ ventilation, and will use a high proportion of renewable materials

• Satisfies the rigorous requirements needed to get planning permission and meet building regulations

• Includes large, covered areas, and much needed safe parking provision

• Will be cost effective to maintain and operate

• Is fit for purpose and function, as well as flexible and adaptable - now and into the future

• Aims to create a welcoming and successful new community asset for everyone

Presented here is the two-phase design scheme the directors have agreed to put forward as our planning application. The whole scheme is designed to secure permission for phases 1 and 2 together, each to be built consecutively. 

Initially Phase 1 build would replace the shop and Post Office incorporating a small tea point. Phase 2 extends to provide a café. This way we can match progress with our resources establishing and securing each stage of the business effectively.

This shows the full extent and ambition of the scheme overall.  It includes the shop, Post Office, cafe, and seating area.

Presented here are a selection of design drawings including the site plan, internal floor layouts, floor area comparisons, building elevations, and a number of computer graphic simulated (CGI) views.

NOTE:  the CGI views are indicative only and inevitably look very artificial.  No decisions have yet been made on the inside or outside styles, types of finishes, colours, or details of fittings and fixtures.  There will be plenty of opportunity for further community consultation, input, and debate on those aspects.  Likewise, the details of planting schemes or type of surfaces outside the building.

Note: To enlarge the image, click on the arrow at the top right of each image to open it in a new window.

The main focus of this is the shop and Post Office and is designed to ensure sustainability in construction and running costs.   It includes a small tea station facility and has a large covered outside area for events and activities as well as future expansion and development.

Presented here are a selection of design drawings including the site plan, internal floor layouts, floor area comparisons, building elevations, and a number of computer graphic simulated (CGI) views

NOTE:  the CGI views are indicative only and inevitably look very artificial.  No decisions have yet been made on the inside or outside styles, types of finishes, colours, or details of fittings and fixtures.  There will be plenty of opportunity for further community consultation, input, and debate on those aspects.  Likewise, the details of planting schemes or type of surfaces outside the building.

Note: To enlarge the image, click on the arrow at the top right of each image to open it in a new window.

Note: To enlarge the image, click on the arrow at the top right of each image to open it in a new window.