A former shop in the heart of an Isle of Wight seaside town will become a banking hub with Post Office services.
Cash Access UK’s conversion scheme for 6 High Street in Cowes, previously a Poundland store, has been granted consent by County Hall.
What the conversion involves
The approved proposals include a new shopfront and external ATM installation, an entrance door moved forward to align with windows and a replacement condenser on the main roof at the front of the building.
Signage plans for the new hub
Advertisement plans include installing a main sign featuring individual ‘Banking Hub’ letters and a ‘Post Office’ logo fixed directly on a new timber fascia panel.
There will also be a projecting sign with the same letters and logo, externally illuminated.
Impact on the Conservation Area
The applicant’s agent, Ridge, previously said the proportions of the building will remain the same and the proposed advertisement is in keeping with other signage along the high street.
Submitted plans’ impact on adjacent buildings, the town centre and the Cowes Conservation Area is limited, the consultancy said.
The Isle of Wight Council concluded the effect on neighbouring residential properties would be ‘minimal’, with the character of the Conservation Area preserved in line with the aims of Island planning policy and the National Planning Policy Framework.
Five conditions were included in the consent, to prevent annoyance and disturbance from associated odour, ensure an appropriate design to protect the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and comply with legislation and planning policy.
Council backing for the scheme
Cowes Town Council last month said it ‘strongly supports’ the application.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
