A PLAN to rework an empty store right into a tattoo studio has been given the go-ahead, regardless of issues over the lack of a retail website.
New Forest District Council’s planning committee accepted, topic to circumstances, an utility by Lovingink Tattoos for a change of use of an A1 retail unit on Excessive Road, Fordingbridge right into a tattoo studio.
Issues had been raised by Fordingbridge City Council over the lack of a first-rate retail website.
Nevertheless, the assembly on December 9 heard it was the officer’s view that it “received’t end in a focus of non-shopping use that will alter the retail character of the realm”.
A consultant talking on behalf of the applicant stated the tattoo studio would convey new individuals to the city and paintings could be put up within the premises.
Fordingbridge City councillors, like deputy mayor Anna Wilson, had beforehand opposed the proposal. She stated: “The store is massive and has a distinguished place because it stands out the place the footpath narrows. We really feel the lack of such a big retail premises would have a giant impact on our excessive avenue.”
“The variety of stores serving the wants of the city and surrounding villages is its fundamental attraction. It could not take the demise of quite a lot of stores for this to be misplaced,” she added.
The assembly heard there was no plan to black-out the brand new studio’s window however there have been laws to make sure tattooing was not seen. The tattooing could be carried out on the rear of the constructing.
Councillor Sue Bennison noticed the positives of the plan. She stated: “I feel we’ve got to all agree that top streets do have to alter they usually must evolve. This transformation of use to a tattoo parlour might nicely convey individuals into the excessive avenue to make use of different retailers, cafes or eating places.”
She famous there was already a tattoo studio within the city and likewise preferred the concept concerning the paintings.
She added: “We don’t need empty retailers, we would like the excessive streets to appear to be they’re occupied and have a cause for individuals to go to the excessive avenue.”
Councillor Ann Sevier stated there have been no planning causes to show it down.
Councillor Annie Bellows added: “It’s a massive property. It’s a disgrace that it’s empty and never going for use for anything however it will be good to have some utilization there and have a pleasant window frontage.”
