A building with "historic local importance" could be demolished under controversial plans. A planning application has been submitted by I&S Gorvett and Castell Group which proposes to turn Eagle House on Talbot Road, Port Talbot, into flats.
Situated between the newly-renovated Grade II-listed Plaza Cinema and the Grand Hotel which dates back to the 1900s, Eagle House predates its long-standing neighbours and is cherished by many in the local community. Castell Group have submitted a proposal to demolish the existing building and replace it with 18 upper-floor flats and ground floor office or commercial units. They have stated that the existing building is unsuitable for housing developments as only four apartments could be built within it.
In a planning committee meeting on August 9, Chris Davies, a representative for Neath Port Talbot council, said that although Eagle House is a building of local importance, the proposed flats are needed in the area due to the high-demand for housing in Port Talbot with 1,295 households on waiting lists. Mr Davies said: "The proposed development, in terms of providing much needed residential development within the area outweigh the loss of the building of local importance." You can read more stories about Port Talbot here.
