LASplanning LLP scoped, assessed and compiled a change of use application from a hairdressing salon to art studio/workshop with art classes and wine shop for a new business enterprise Phemie Loves. The proposal enabled the renovation of a vacant shop unit and the enhancement of a C-listed building. The application site related to a lower floor C-listed property within a 2-storey terraced building located at the junction of Croft Road and Commercial Street, Markinch, Fife. The terrace is characterised by some lower storey commercial/shop premises and upper storey dwellings. The application site was also within the Markinch Conservation Area.
The work undertaken by LASplaning LLP, provided planning justification and supporting information for the change of use. The proposal was considered to be modest and to ensure betterment to the C-listed building. The property was vacant and the front façade to be in a poor state of repair. The Applicant’s proposal provided betterment for the area, the C-listed building and the Conservation Area. The proposal also reintroduced a viable economic use to a vacant business premise.
The planning application was compiled and submitted in line with the Client’s brief and to ensure compliance with the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and the FIFEplan Local Development Plan (2017).
The submitted application responded to National and Local policy considerations in so far as the proposed development brought positive economic benefits to a local centre by virtue of revitalising a currently redundant commercial unit within the Markinch Conservation area. The change of use proposed retains the business and commercial nature of the extant use albeit that it also now enables the Applicant to repurpose enterprise activities to meet changing lifestyle and retail habits. This includes supporting the Arts and Crafts sector in providing gallery space in addition to complementing the demand for specialist retail via wine sales and tasting or art class space.
As the proposed use has been operating as a class 1A for many years, it is self-evident and proven that a commercial demand has been met and that there is a positive economic benefit for Markinch. This application therefore also sought to make a further positive contribution to the vitality and viability of the area by increasing footfall locally in addition to providing further opportunity for new or additional employment within the area.
Following submission of the planning application…
Following submission of the planning application, LASplanning LLP worked with Fife Council, to achieve a positive outcome. LASplanning LLP worked closely with MS Design who compiled the drawings required for submission.
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