Shanklin Shop Owner Speaks Out Over Plans To Convert Premises Into Flat

An Isle of Wight fibre artist has spoken out after plans were submitted to convert the shop premises she currently uses into a residential flat.

Sara Ellis, who runs The Magician’s Wardrobe on Victoria Avenue in Shanklin, says she has been trading from the unit for six years and disputes claims that the premises are vacant or only used on a temporary basis.

Ms Ellis, a fibre artist with 15 years’ experience, says she has worked hard to maintain and improve the shop at 2A Victoria Avenue, describing it as a very old building.

She also rejected suggestions that the business is a pop-up shop.

The owner of the property has applied for planning permission to change the use of the unit and carry out alterations to create a two-bedroom apartment.

A statement submitted with the application by planning agents says the building was previously occupied by an antiques business until 2018 and claims the unit became vacant earlier this year.

It also describes the current use as occasional pop-up retail and states the shop does not contribute significantly to the vitality of Shanklin town centre.

Ms Ellis strongly disputes that description, saying she was distressed by how her business had been represented.

She says she has no dispute with her landlady and currently operates under a verbal agreement, adding that she understands she may need to relocate in the future and is already looking for alternative premises in Shanklin, Ventnor or Sandown.

Ms Ellis says much of her work is carried out online, with sales of artwork and digital patterns, and that limited footfall — particularly outside the tourist season — makes regular opening difficult. She also hopes to restart community-based fibre art classes and workshops if suitable premises become available.

The planning statement submitted with the application says it would be difficult for the unit to be used as a viable commercial premises in the near future.

Public consultation on the planning application is open until 14 January, with a decision expected in early February.