Former Boots Store To Become Part-Accomodation Under New Plans

A former Boots store in the heart of an Isle of Wight seaside town will house new residential accommodation and retain a commercial usage.

County Hall has given Nicola Stewart prior approval to install a ground floor apartment at 107 High Street in Sandown, which is currently vacant.

The proposed home will include a living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and WC, with the premises’s shopfront staying in commercial use.

A council decision report said: “The property is located within Sandown Conservation Area, however, the proposal does not show any external alterations to the building.

“Therefore, the change of use raises no concerns regarding the character of the Conservation Area or the setting of nearby listed buildings and would not require an impact assessment to be undertaken by the Local Planning Authority.

“In this case a reasonable amount of living space can be provided, lit by a good level of natural light and as such is considered acceptable.”

Sandown Town Council previously expressed support for the plan, commenting that the development will deliver mixed use on the site and maintain the commercial vitality of the High Street.

A spokesperson said: “The council notes the proposed living accommodation behind the premises appears to meet recommended standards for accommodation.

“Additionally, the council believes that parking, while not included in the scheme, is not required as the application was within a core town-centre zones and as such exempt from parking minimums.”