A £180,000 plan to turn an old chapel into a restaurant will go ahead after a businessman won his appeal.

Businessman Bob Smith applied to Blaenau Gwent Council to convert Carmel Chapel, Carmel Street, Abertillery into a restaurant in September last year, but the application was turned down by the planning committee.

Police objected to the plan, saying that another pub in the town would add to the existing problems of anti-social behaviour.

Concerns about increased traffic were also a factor.

Mr Smith then appealed to the Assembly's Planning Inspectorate and they concluded that a restaurant/bistro use was appropriate at Carmel Chapel, without an unacceptable impact on its surroundings.

The Inspectors granted planning permission subject to conditions including a restricted use to that of food for consumption on the premises and no take away use.

"I'm absolutely delighted," said Mr Smith, 58.

"I was disappointed when the council turned down the application in the first place because I didn't think one more licensed premises in Abertillery would make a difference."

Mr Smith was born and bred in Abertillery and owns several businesses including Leather Leaders furniture store and the Dolls House pub, Abertillery.

The regeneration of the town centre is a project close to his heart.

"I want to see Abertillery brought back to its former glory," he explained.

"We haven't got a restaurant in the town and I think its something we need.

"My plan is to convert the basement, first floor and balcony area into a restaurant, kitchen and bar area. It will cost in the region of £180,000 to complete, although the final plans have not been drawn up yet.

"There won't be any entertainment, it will be a place where people can come and enjoy a good meal.

"And not only will it bring an old building back to its former glory, I will be employing local people."

The project will provide more than 300 square metres of restaurant and kitchen space.