A TOWN centre cafe, closed due to the impact of Covid-19 restrictions, will become a two bedroom house after Wiltshire Council gave the bid the green light.
Matthew McLaughlin, local democracy reporter, reports, Cosi at 16 Maristow Street is set to be turned into a home, following a successful planning bid by Christine Holt. The former cafe will now become a two-bedroom house with no off-road parking.
One letter of objection was sent in regarding the bid, it raised over a lack of parking in the area. Adding that turning shops into residential properties would ruin the character of the area. But Wiltshire Council’s highways officer made no objections, stating that any parking can be provided through council permits.
The officer’s report said: “The proposal would not result in any adverse on-street parking as there are sufficient on-road parking restrictions via the double yellow lines and other parking restrictions. Furthermore, by being a town centre site, the need for car ownership is reduced given the immediate access to services and facilities.”
Westbury Town Council’s highways, planning and development committee opposed the application after some members said the owner should attempt to find someone to take it over as a business before converting it into a dwelling.
They expressed concern that a business premises would be lost in Maristow Street. However, some councillors said that in the current climate due to the pandemic, the premises may remain empty and an occupied house would be preferable.
