Are smaller units the future for high street?

Are smaller units the future for Kent’s high streets? One businessman in Deal is convinced they are as he has submitted plans to split an empty charity shop into two. Tony Abram wants to break up the former Dogs Trust charity shop, on the junction of high street and Queen Street, as he thinks the space is “more likely” to be filled that way. But his scheme has split opinion among residents, with Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade - a business group promoting the town’s offerings - saying larger stores are still required on the high street.

Mr Abram’s project, which has been submitted to Dover District Council (DDC), includes a first floor extension to create two flats. Writing on his behalf, planning agent Cason Green Associates says the town’s high street has changed as “larger retailers are moving away”. “Smaller retail units offer more marketing opportunities, opening up the shop to a different, smaller artisan retailer,” they said.



“The two proposed units are more likely to be rented than the original larger single retail one. “They will bring better economic opportunities not only to the applicant but also to the high street.” Dogs Trust moved to another unit in the high street earlier this year, leaving the prime spot next to a busy pedestrian crossing empty.

KentOnline asked shoppers in the town what they thought of the bid this week, and many were in support. Visiting from Ramsgate, Stuart Hope said he thinks more people will be able to afford smaller units. “I used to have a shop in Herne Bay which was 6,000 sq ft,” he said.

“It was so big as it was an ex-Tesco store, and I wanted to convert it to smaller units. “I shut it down in the end because the landlord wouldn't have it. “But I believe in smaller ones.

These big stores are great for shopping but not for locals really, I don't think. They like to look around in these smaller shops.” Deal resident Bryan Henderson said he believes a good choice of shops is key.

“It’s a question of more selection, that varies it for the people of Deal,” he said. “It has got to be looked at what type of shops they're going to be opening. “And then it's down to the council to look at it and monitor it to make sure we get the good selection of shops that the public want.

” Cllr Peter Jull, chairman of Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade, said larger units still have a place in Deal. The Original Factory Shop pulled out of the town last year as its former high street home is set to be split into five retail units, with 17 flats built above . “It shouldn't have happened,” said Cllr Jull, who also sits on Deal Town Council.

“They didn't want to go and said they'd be back if a large enough property was available.” Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal . The former Dogs Trust site, which covers 146 sq m, forms part of the Deal Middle Street Conservation Area - the first conservation area designated in the county.

A decision on the application will be made by planning officers at DDC..