An Isle of Wight fibre art studio shopkeeper has spoken out after plans were lodged to turn the commercial premises she uses into a flat.
Sara Ellis, a fibre artist of 15 years, who runs The Magician’s Wardrobe, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) she has been in the space at 2A Victoria Avenue for six years and is doing her best with the upkeep of a ‘very old building’.
She dismissed claims the unit is ‘vacant’ and said the shop is not a pop-up, as suggested.
Plan to convert into residential dwelling
The shop unit’s owner, Mrs P Downer, has submitted a planning application for alterations and a change of use, with a view to converting it into a two-bedroom apartment.
According to her agent, Phil Salmon Planning (PSP) the building was leased to an antiques business up until January 2018 and became vacant at the end of June this year.
The consultancy said it is being used on an ‘ad hoc basis for pop-up shops selling old furniture or bric-a-brac’.
PSP’s submitted statement also said the existing shop unit plays “no active part in the vitality and vibrancy of Shanklin town centre, nor would its loss have a detrimental effect upon the surrounding area in retail terms.”
Ellis: To be dismissed as a vacant / pop up / junk shop was very distressing
However, Ms Ellis said this is not the case and she is doing her best to make the shop front attractive, even painting it this year. She said,
“What I have an issue with is the way I was falsely represented to the community.
“To be dismissed as a vacant / pop up / junk shop was very distressing.”
Ms Ellis told the LDRS she has ‘no issue or concern’ with her landlady with whom she has a ‘verbal contract’.
PSP’s statement said it was ‘extremely hard’ to imagine the unit being taken up on a viable basis in the near future.
Ellis: I can go weeks without anyone coming in out of season
In response, Ms Ellis added,
“I am more than happy and prepared to move when the time comes and in fact have already been hunting for an appropriate space in the Shanklin, Ventnor or Sandown area.
“I am hoping to start running fibre art classes and workshops for the community, as I used to do. For example, I teach my wet felted hat making process as well as my original crochet designs.
“I am a self-employed, single parent carer and a home educator so I have great difficulty in opening my shop frequently, as well as which, there is no footfall. Even if I am open every day, as I have done in the past, I can go weeks without anyone coming in out of season.”
She added the main part of her business is through online sales, and digital pattern sales.
The LDRS has contacted Phil Salmon Planning for comment.
View the plans
You can view the plans on the council’s planning register (25/01102/FUL).
The public consultation runs until 14th January and a decision is expected by 3rd February 2026.
Article edit
1.10pm 16th Dec 2025 – Headline changed from “The Magician’s Wardrobe shopkeeper fights proposed change of use for her workspace” to “Shopkeeper says claims her workspace is an ‘ad hoc pop-up’ has been ‘very distressing'”
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
