Smart Planning have successfully received approval for a change of use from retail (use class A1) to leisure (use class D2) within a popular Southend-on-Sea shopping centre (Essex), much to the delight of our client.
The application site concerned a vacant retail unit within the Victoria Shopping Centre in Southend Town Centre, where a change of use was sought to allow an existing Aerial Hoop, Pole and Silks Fitness, Flexibility and Contortion Training Centre to relocate to the unit from an alternative premises within the borough. The shopping centre is currently home to a diverse mix of businesses, from well-known retail brands such as New Look, Peacocks and Next, to smaller independent shops, eateries and a gym.
The permission will allow an already well-established business to grow, whilst creating new local jobs and attracting additional footfall to Southend Town Centre.
In making their decision, the Planning Officer at Southend Borough Council concluded that “the proposed development would be acceptable and compliant with the objectives of the relevant development plan policies” and “would acceptably maintain the sustainability of the secondary shopping frontage“.
This decision is synonymous with the changing face of Britain’s town centres and high streets as the struggling retail sector is replaced by more leisure use businesses.
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13 January 2020