New Community And Cultural Space Approved Next To St Helens Bookshop

Plans to transform a vacant property in St Helens into a community and cultural space have been approved by the Isle of Wight Council.

The change of use application for 19 Lower Green Road, submitted by Kate Gatenby, will see the building converted into a flexible commercial space alongside The Goose Books, the second-hand bookshop she also owns.

The new venue will provide publicly accessible co-working and desk space, as well as hosting a range of cultural and literary events.

According to planning documents, activities could include author talks, storytelling evenings and book-themed gatherings, with daytime use forming the main focus.

Evening and weekend events are expected to be occasional and modest in scale.

Granting permission, the Isle of Wight Council said the development would provide a valuable community asset, adding that the proposed literary events would be a positive addition to both St Helens and the surrounding area.

The council has attached three planning conditions to the approval to protect neighbouring residents and ensure compliance with planning policies.