A BID to transform a town centre cafe, closed due to the impact of Covid-19 restrictions, into a two bedroom house, has been opposed by town councillors.
Cosi at 16 Maristow Street was opened in July 2019 serving a ‘typically British’ menu. The owner of the property has now submitted a planning application to Wiltshire Council stating that the building is “currently vacant as the tenant leasing the property terminated the agreement due to Covid and lack of business.”
Some members of the town council’s highways, development and planning committee, which met online on 19th October, 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.
Cllr Mike Sutton said, “Maristow Street has a history and we must try to preserve that. Part of its character is individual and quaint shops.
“I understand the difficulties of the modern world but if we allow Maristow Street to turn into a gentrified street, Westbury would have lost so much.
“We have had to fight over the years to keep shops there, so I would urge you to continue that challenge.”
Cllr Ian Cunningham agreed, saying, “The last year has been extremely difficult for business owners.
“Maristow Street is the kind of street that might have a future as a shopping district because it’s attractive and small.”
Cllr Jane Russ felt sorry for the former tenants who had worked so hard to make a go of it.
“Covid has wiped them out,” she said. Questioning what would happen if the premises is left empty, she said, “Who is going to start a business at the moment? It’s better to have a house there than to let it fall into disrepair.”
But Cllr Gordon King said that was “weak and lily livered” and that further attempts to find a tenant should be found.
“Maristow Street remains one of the principal shopping streets in town and it’s being steadily eroded to its absolute detriment,” he stated. “I stand fully square behind the town and will only change it once there is evidence that another business can’t be found.”
Cllr Mike Kettlety said high streets and shopping areas were disappearing, the town needed more housing and the only way to keep the town centre alive was to provide housing there.
But Cllr King disagreed, saying, “It’s a commercial area with characteristic shops and every attempt should be made to preserve it as a source of employment for the area.”
Cllr Ward Jones said he wished there was an option to say that if somebody had not taken on the business in a year, the council could reconsider the change of use plan. “If somebody could come along and fill this it would be wonderful,” he added. “I feel frustrated for the owners and my colleagues who want to see smaller shops.”
Six members voted to approve the objection while five abstained. The recommendation will be passed on to Wiltshire Council, who will make the final decision. The application number is 20/07605/FUL and the deadline for comments is Wednesday 4th November.
