Councillors back plans for a B&B with emergency housing in Pontllanfraith. Project aims to boost tourism and aid vulnerable people.
A guy named Luke Gingell wants to make it happen. He plans to convert Gilwern House. It is on Newbridge Road. The plan includes seven B&B rooms.
Four rooms will be for emergency housing. This housing will help vulnerable people. A council report says temporary housing is needed.
The new B&B could boost tourism in the area. Planners think it helps the local economy, and Blackwood could see growth, too.
The council planning committee met on February 12. No neighbors objected so far; they did not complain about this project. The plan does not change the building much.
Workers will take out some fake grass to create more parking spaces. Councilor Shane Williams asked about B&B guests. A planning officer, Carwyn Powell, answered his question. Anyone can book those rooms, he said. The developer might house construction workers there.