A planning application for the conversion of the grade II-listed former public toilet at Nell's point in Barry have been submitted to the council.

If approved the site would see four new restaurants developed in the space. The proposed designs can be seen in the pictures above.

The toilet block was constructed in 1923 when Barry Island was being developed as a tourist destination.

In 2010, the building became a Grade II listed property.

The council have chosen Next Colour Ltd for the development of the space, who have previously refurbished the 1930's cinema at Oyster Wharf at the Mumbles.

The move represents another step in the regeneration of Barry Island, which has undergone extensive improvement works in recent years, including upgrading the Grade II Listed Edwardian shelter, the provision of modern toilet facilities and the creation of distinctive new beach huts.

The planning statement outlines that: ''The building has not been used for a significant number of years, meaning that the building has become dilapidated due to the age of the building and extent of water egress into the structure.''

The design and access statement states: "The proposed development comprises the retention of the existing grade II-listed building, making repairments and extensions.

''The proposed development would convert and extend the building into 4 x use class A3 units.

"The proposed development would retain the key features of architectural interest with the existing rendered columns and rendered plinth to be repaired and reinstated.

''The existing brickwork would also be repaired, re-pointed and painted.''

A summary is then given of the benefits of this particular restaurant development:

• The proposed development would lead to the long term safeguarding of the Grade II Listed Building, whilst ensuring the key architectural and historic features are retained.
• The site presents an excellent opportunity to fully utilise an area of previously developed land.
• The use of the site for restaurant purposes would add to local amenity, regeneration and economic growth of Barry Island;
• The site is located within a sustainable and accessible location – situated within close proximity to a large number of residential dwellings which the proposed site will serve, while being accessible by walking, cycling or via public transport.
• The growth of the settlement of Barry is endorsed by the LDP via the housing allocation nearby the site, which will create a demand for further services and facilities in the vicinity; and
• It is not envisaged that there would be any adverse impacts in respect of flood risk, drainage, or highways impacts.

Other, alternative uses, had been considered but the application states that none of those were financially viable. The application's design and access statement states: "Given the condition of the building, there are very limited options which would allow the building to be brought back into viable use and it is considered that the restaurant use best lends itself towards the regeneration goals of the council for the Barry Island area.'' The proposal of a museum, an idea that is popular with local residents, is concluded as an unviable financial investment for this particular space. The outcome of the application will be determined by the Vale of Glamorgan at a planning committee meeting in due course.