Penarth Town Council wants accessibility to be considered before a ramp in the former Lloyds Bank building is removed.  

Last week the grade II listed building on Windsor Road was covered in scaffolding for remedial works.

A planning application was submitted by Cabot Trustees Limited for the remedial works and investigations to be carried out. 

This included the removal of a non-compliant accessibility ramp installed by the previous tenants. 

In a meeting on September 12, Penarth Town Council discussed the planning application for the former Lloyds Bank building. 

Cllr Richard Cox, for the Stanwell Ward said: “The ramp is access for people with disabilities.

"If it is to remain in the retail area of use, that really needs to be retained."

“That is the same point I was going to make," added Cllr Elliot Penn.

Cllr Mike Cuddy added: “Can we strongly urge for access to be increased with the ramp?” 

Inspection finds dry rot, damp and woodworm

An inspection at the former Lloyds Bank building found evidence of rising damp, woodworm, dry rot and fungal decay. 

The building was first visited by TYWI Damp Proofing Treatments on May 7, 2024, for a visual inspection which found rising damp, woodworm and fungal decay.   

The building has been described as ‘in a state of partial disrepair’ with issues including water ingress and dry rot affecting its structural integrity, in a heritage impact statement. 

What other work is being done?

External alterations:    

Removal of the external bank safe and modification of the window to match other ground-floor windows. 

Internal alterations:  

Removal of the suspended ceiling with making good to the ornate cornice detailing.

Investigative/remedial work:

  • Investigative work to identify dry rot throughout the property.   

  • Removing the plaster to the internal walls to fully expose the wall to assess the extent of the remedial repairs.   

  • Cutting back the floors finishes around the building's perimeter to assess the extent of the dry rot to the floors.