Falles Properties, the owners of the building in Route du Fort, also want to build a one-bedroom home to the rear of the site that runs back to Dicq Road.
In the design statement, the applicant says the shop is no longer viable as a commercial operation. The statement reads: ‘The viability of the commercial unit is entirely questionable as it has had a chequered history over the last few years, with several different businesses trading from it.’
Since 2002 it has has five uses, the most recent being storing office furniture. It was also used as a showroom for motorcycle sales.
To justify the change of use, Falles Properties commissioned a building survey report.
The company says: ‘The report, among other things, concludes that the property requires too much work to make it a viable proposition for any prospective purchasers or tenants.
‘It also demonstrates that a marketing strategy has been carried out, in accordance with the Planning Department’s policy, and that no purchasers or tenants could be found, and this despite the extensive marketing carried out.’ If the Planning Committee agrees to the proposal the modern shop front will be removed at street level and the frontage of the building returned to its original design as part of a Victorian-style terrace.
The proposed restoration also includes constructing a low level wall to match those of the neighbouring properties, and the existing three bedroom flat at first floor level will be reconfigured with the loss of one bedroom.
