Newport Post Office owner could be 'forced to close' if council turn down extension plan

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THE owner of a Newport Post Office has said the business could be forced to close if he is not allowed to build an extension.

Ash Hassan has applied to build a single-storey extension to the south of the Lifestyle Express shop in Tredegar House Drive.

But, as the building falls within the conservation area covering Tredegar House, Newport City Council’s planning department has recommended it should be refused over the impact on the area.

Mr Hassan said he was concerned the business would no longer be viable if it was not modernised.


“It isn’t a listed building, but it is listed by default as it falls within the conservation area,” he said.

“When I acquired the lease I wasn’t told anything about that.

“At that time we were thinking about closing the post office and just keeping the shop.

“We negotiated with the council who said they didn’t want it to shut.

“We said the only way it would be viable is if the entrance was at the back of the shop.”

Mr Hassan added he was disappointed his application looked set to be blocked while other extensions in the area had been given the go-ahead.

“Running a post office is a full-time job,” he said.

“We employ three or four people to run it.

“We could run the shop with just one and make the same amount of money.

“The Post Office advertised to see if any other businesses wanted to take on the post office, but no one was interested.

“So we said we would stay here of we could make the business viable.”

He added he was concerned being forced to close the business would have a negative impact on the community, particularly older people who rely on it.

The plans, which would see a new timber entrance door built, will be discussed by the council’s planning committee at a meeting on Wednesday.

The council’s strategic director for place Sheila Davies said: “It would be inappropriate to comment on the application which will be decided by the independent and objective planning committee.


“However, we have excellent support officers that always try to advise local businesses on ways forward.”

Today’s meeting at the Civic Centre will begin at 10am and is open to the public.

To view the full plans visit newport.gov.uk and search for application 16/0238.