Plans to transform the former Corn Exchange in Crickhowell have been submitted by a local group keen to head-off the ‘threat’ of a national chain store.

More than 200 local people have invested cash to buy the building and develop three news flats and three small businesses.

Local investors pooled money into the scheme after learning that a national convenience chain planned to move in, potentially damaging small-business prospects.

The architect blueprint, on behalf of Corn Exchange Crickhowell Ltd, was handed to Brecon Beacons National Park Authority last week.

Dean Christy, managing director of the group, enjoined locals to back the venture.

“It is vital that local people get behind these proposals, which will preserve the character of Crickhowell’s historic High Street and allow the purchase of The Corn Exchange to go ahead.

“The plans are totally in keeping with Crickhowell’s town centre and will bring new small businesses and much-needed accommodation to the High Street.

“Completing the sale will end, once and for all, the threat of a national chain convenience store – which would have threatened so many small shops,” he said.

The ambitious plans hinge on approval being granted - a condition of the proposed buy.

Tim Jones, the group’s communications director, said, “This is the next, very important stage in the future of The Corn Exchange.

“People in Crickhowell stood up for their High Street and backed their opposition to a supermarket by investing their own money in this scheme.

“Getting planning permission will allow us to move forward and we urge people to back the application, go on the Brecon Beacons National Park website or email and register their support.”

Drawings from Hoole and Walmsley Architects show an introduction of a new passageway, or ‘ginnel’, running through the front to the back of the building to allow access to the first floor flats from raised decking.

Architect Karen Hoole, said, ”Each flat will have its own front door off a decking area and all the living rooms and bedrooms will face the High Street – creating really attractive urban living above the High Street”.

The scheme, which is already attracting interest from several independent businesses, would replace the existing windows to create a shop-friendly frontage.

Corn Exchange Crickhowell Ltd expect the three flats - one of which has two bedrooms - to be filled quickly.

The sale to be complete by September this year, and completed by Autumn 2017, if planning permission is granted.

•Further details will be displayed on the BBNPA website at planningbreconnpa.org/online-applications/.

The application numbers are 16/13690/FUL and 16/13691/LBC.