A much-loved Isle of Wight business wants to reduce the size of its shop and build much-needed housing.
In new plans, lodged with the Isle of Wight council, Toymaster and The Sports Shop’s tradeable floor space could be reduced by 60 square metres.
The brand has long been a staple on Union Street in Ryde, including selling school uniforms and sports kits, but its current model is ‘no longer viable’.
Smaller shop and four flats
Planning documents submitted to County Hall suggest a smaller shop would create “a more secure retail business”, following the impact of online shopping and lower footfall.
The owner, Mr Young, also wants to build housing fronting onto Union Lane and convert upstairs stock rooms, a staff room and office space into four flats.
The proposal retains a shop area, but one that is “a more financially viable option”.
Pair of semi-detached two-bed houses
Part of the rear of the existing shop, an area currently used for storage, could be demolished to make way for a pair of semi-detached two-bed houses.
Planning documents say they could have small rear gardens and be of a size to be “affordable”.
The front of the building, on Union Street, would remain largely unchanged, however there would be a new door, providing access to the flats.
View the plans
You can view the plans, 24/00165/LBC and 23/02258/FUL on the Isle of Wight council’s planning register.
The public consultation runs until 1st March 2024.
In April 2023, the company closed its Shanklin store and amalgamated its business in Ryde.
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
