Plans to convert a former shop into a one-bedroom flat

Wednesday 06 September 2023

Plans have been submitted to convert a former town shop into a one-bedroom flat, after an "extensive" marketing campaign failed to attract any commercial interest.

The applicant is seeking permission to convert the ground-floor shop at 36 Poonah Road into a one-bedroom flat.

A supporting statement – prepared by MS Planning on behalf of the applicant Shafique Ltd – admits that the proposed 35.2sqm one-bedroom flat "falls slightly below the emerging standard of 40sqm" but "can meet the currently adopted standard for a single person unit".

Pictured: Efforts to secure a new commercial tenant for the commercial site at 36 Poonnah Road have failed following a lack of interest in the property. 

The site does not have any parking, but the statement says that this is "not unusual for existing residential properties in this central town location".

It continues: "Although the compact nature of the site prevents the accommodation of bicycles, its location within town means that walking is a suitable alternative."

The supporting statement also emphasises the "range of measures" made during a three-and-a-half-month marketing campaign to secure a new commercial tenant for the property.

However, the property received only two viewings, and no commercial tenant was secured.

Pictured: The site is located at 36 Poonah Road.

Addressing concerns that may arise regarding the removal of the retail space, the supporting statement argues that "the loss of this small retail unit, located outside the primary retail hub in an area predominantly residential in nature, will not negatively impact the overall functioning of the town centre".

Instead, it claims that this conversion will have a positive impact on the community by repurposing an existing building, thereby reducing the need for additional development in rural areas.

The full planning application is available online.