A former Woolworths store in Newtown is set to become a new bar and cafe.

A planning application by Graham Morgan to convert the empty Broad Street shop has been approved by Powys County Council.

Planning officer Luke Jones said: "The application site is currently not in use and remains vacant within a prominent area of Newtown town centre and the proposed change of use will help contribute to the vitality and viability of the existing town centre."

Plans include creating up to 19 jobs, nine of which are full-time and 10 part-time roles.

Twenty-nine members of the public wrote to object the proposed development, by raising issues such as noise, parking, opening hours, anti-social behaviour and impact on existing businesses.

Only one letter from the public supported the proposal to convert the shop into a bar and cafe.

The site has been vacant for three years since Store Twenty One was placed into liquidation in 2017.

In his officer's report, Mr Jones added: "It is acknowledged that a number of objections have been received regarding the proposed change of use to A3, however given the location of the premises within the town centre of Newtown and the surrounding businesses the proposed change of use is considered acceptable.

"It is noted that details in relation to the internal layout have not been included such as a kitchen area and toilets, however these details will be finalised with buildings regulations and licensing. In relation to the concerns raised regarding the late opening hours details such as this will be finalised with PCC Licensing department.

"The officer noted in relation to noise this will be down to how the establishment is managed as opposed to the principal of the application.

"Newtown has public car parks at Back Lane, Gas Street and Shortbridge Street (Gravel Car Park), which are all within easy level walking distance of the application site. Furthermore, on-street parking is available in many of the surrounding streets. The availability of public parking within the vicinity is what would be expected in a town centre location such as this."