There’s a planning application to allow the change of use of the former Toys N’ Tuck Shop in Rayleigh High street into an estate agent. Officers are recommending approval, and unless any councillor calls it in, it will be approved.
You can download the officers report by clicking
here.
Key factors:
– the council has a policy of at least 50 percent retail frontage along here, and the figure is already down to 42 percent
– but the government is now allowing changes of use like this for up to 2 years without planning permission
– also it would create 5 jobs
Any views?
I think it is a shame no-one other than an Estate Agent wants it. That end of town is getting low on shops, there are hairdressers, banks/building societies and eating and drinking establishments but retail seems to be getting thin on the ground. I suppose though an Estate Agent is better than an empty boarded up premises.
A slightly strange story about the former school wear shop in the Eastwood Rd…
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/10768517.My_schoolwear_shop_was_killed_by_Facebook_witch_hunts/?ref=ar
Wonder if the jobs will go to local people – unlike Prezzo who seem to have shipped in most of their staff!!
Oz @2 yes, slightly strange but interesting.
Here at onlineFOCUS we have to watch particularly at negative comments aimed at a local shop or business . Especially when you have two competing shops with two fervent lots of supporters. We had to disallow one comment completely , it was completely over the top.
We really need more retail in the High Street – far too many hairdressers, estate agents and opticians.
Karen,
I understand your frustration but what do you suggest ? If it was your money then what would you open that could compete with on line shopping ?
Like it or not our High Streets are changing and will never return to a past that never existed.
I see that Élan ( the ladies clothes shop near to Specsavers ) is closing down due to retirement. Who knows, might be a nail bar, barbers or a takeaway……
Here’s the rub, we looked at a pair of electronic kitchen scales in the High St, cost £19.99. Went home, ordered them from Amazon for £12.99 and delivered next day. I want to support our local shops but, like many others, I can’t afford to subsidise them. Hence retail is dying and our High Streets are changing for ever.