DM - Policies Map 2014

Object

Representation ID: 1677

Received: 11/06/2014

Respondent: Mrs S Ashley

Legally compliant? Not specified

Sound? Not specified

Duty to co-operate? Not specified

Since 2000, economic circumstances have changed, and as a business location 23 West Street is no longer viable.

Over 50% of the retail premises, one for as long as 15 years are now vacant. Even though the business rates have now been waivered, when someone does attempt to start an enterprise here, it is no sooner opened than it is closed down again due to lack of local support from residents.

Given that planning is going ahead for the Roots Hall Football Stadium to be moved to Fossetts Farm, and the likelihood of a new Sainsbury's supermarket being built in its place, past experience in other areas suggests that a large supermarket will dominate the area to the extent that even the current demand for small retail units in the community will be further reduced.

I clearly understand that the current policy on preserving secondary shopping areas covers this street, but would seriously question in this particular case, whether there is likely to be any demand for these shops as retail premises in the foreseeable future-even if the economy recovers.

There is a great need for moderately priced residential properties in the centre of town. Were my shop to be turned into a residential property in this manner I believe that the area would be greatly improved.

There may be some specific aspects regarding my circumstances that make my property very different from others on the same street. I live over the shop in a two bedroom flat on the corner of West Street and Colchester Road, which not only provides a garage but I also have a residents parking permit and can therefore provide parking for two vehicles. The unit also has outside space.