A Cwmbran betting shop wants to expand and take over the empty unit next to it in the town centre.
Torfaen Council has received a planning application from Done Brothers (cash betting) Ltd (who trade as Betfred) to change the use of the site left vacant since TSB bank closed its branch in September 2024.
BetFred’s current shop is at 6 General Rees Square and the proposal is to “expand and amalgamate” with the former bank at 7 General Rees Square.
The betting chain said: “The expansion of Betfred’s business within the Cwmbran Town Centre will expand a local business, creating additional staff employment and bring a vacant unit back into use within General Rees Square which supports economic growth principles in national and local planning policy….Betfred is the world’s biggest privately owned betting company and one of the UK’s biggest privately owned retail outlets.
“Licensed betting shops are regarded as being main town centre uses and are seen to maintain the vitality and viability in local town and district centres by complementing the main retail and commercial function…
“The proposal will maintain / increase footfall within General Rees Square and provides opportunities for linked trips to the wider locality as well as contributing to the centre’s later afternoon / evening economy when traditional retail shops are open 9-5pm. This approach to supporting the evening economy in Cwmbran through provision and entertainment uses…”