Subdivision of Iceland store facilitated in future
Friday, 13th April 2012.
One of the most substantial retail spaces in Haverhill town centre is likely to be divided in two, despite objections that the town needs larger premises to attract retailers.
The power of the high street landlords was shown when planners last week agreed to allow the Iceland store to be divided in two when the lease on it is up soon.
The property owners, D&A 2095 Ltd, of South Audley Street, London, had asked for planning permission to subdivide the store, which was leased by Woolworths until it failed and then taken over by Iceland.
Haverhill Town Council objected to the plan on the grounds that it would undermine the vitality and shopping character of the street by reducing the availability of retail outlets with larger floorspace.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council planners consulted the council's economic services department about the plans and they raised no objection.
Andrea Mayley, of the economic services department, said: "The proposed change would provide the landlord with more flexibility to attract a tenant(s) at the end of the lease period signed by Iceland.
"Ultimately this move will support the vitality and viability of the high street as it would be attractive to both large and medium-sized shops, thereby increasing the chances of the units being let.
"Iceland itself is in the process of being sold. This does not necessarily mean the Iceland store in Haverhill will close. The new owners may choose to keep all or some of the high street operations running."
Planning officer Gemma Pannell told members of the council's development control committee planning permission was not needed to divide the premises, only to remodel the shopfronts.
Therefore the change would enhance the overall appearance of the shopfront and street scene, and would not be detrimentalto the street's character or vitality.
The power of the high street landlords was shown when planners last week agreed to allow the Iceland store to be divided in two when the lease on it is up soon.
The property owners, D&A 2095 Ltd, of South Audley Street, London, had asked for planning permission to subdivide the store, which was leased by Woolworths until it failed and then taken over by Iceland.
Haverhill Town Council objected to the plan on the grounds that it would undermine the vitality and shopping character of the street by reducing the availability of retail outlets with larger floorspace.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council planners consulted the council's economic services department about the plans and they raised no objection.
Andrea Mayley, of the economic services department, said: "The proposed change would provide the landlord with more flexibility to attract a tenant(s) at the end of the lease period signed by Iceland.
"Ultimately this move will support the vitality and viability of the high street as it would be attractive to both large and medium-sized shops, thereby increasing the chances of the units being let.
"Iceland itself is in the process of being sold. This does not necessarily mean the Iceland store in Haverhill will close. The new owners may choose to keep all or some of the high street operations running."
Planning officer Gemma Pannell told members of the council's development control committee planning permission was not needed to divide the premises, only to remodel the shopfronts.
Therefore the change would enhance the overall appearance of the shopfront and street scene, and would not be detrimentalto the street's character or vitality.
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