Bid To Transform Vacant Shanklin Town Centre Commercial Unit Into Flat

A vacant commercial premises in the centre of an Isle of Wight seaside town could be converted into an apartment.

Mrs P Downer has applied to County Hall for alterations and a change of use of 2A Victoria Avenue in Shanklin, previously home to an antiques business.

The shop unit is currently being used on an ad hoc basis for pop-up shops selling old furniture or bric-a-brac, according to a statement from Mrs Downer’s agent, Phil Salmon Planning.

Her proposed flat would include two bedrooms, a lounge and kitchen, an en-suite and a bathroom.

Phil Salmon Planning said it was ‘extremely hard’ to imagine the unit being taken up on a viable basis in the near future and that it was likely to stay vacant for a very long time, if not indefinitely.

“The existing shop unit plays no active part in the vitality and vibrancy of Shanklin town centre, nor would its loss have a detrimental effect upon the surrounding area in retail terms,” the consultancy said.

“Parking arrangements are considered to be adequately provided for within the public car park close by.”

The Isle of Wight Council’s public consultation on application 25/01102/FUL closes on January 14 and a decision has been scheduled for February 3.