A former chocolate shop in Godshill – which has sat empty for several years – could once again be used for retail purposes.
Lesley Hall’s listed building consent and planning permission applications seek to retain the Grade II listed Isle of Wight cottage, dating from 17th century, for retail uses and convert its rear outbuildings into an owner’s residence.
These latest bids follow an approved application earlier this year to turn the site into both residential and holiday accommodation.
A Planning and Heritage Statement prepared on behalf of the applicant by Island architects, Macaire Associates, says:
“Godshill as a village has an historic past, having evolved over many years, it is and has and remains a major tourist destination on the Island.
“Originally the village was wholly residential, and over the years the houses have changed their uses, to what we see today, but there remains a mix of both commercial and domestic.
“The area is characterised by heritage buildings, particularly stone built properties, many with thatch roofs.
“Because the village has evolved considerably over the years, there has also been a great deal of development, specifically tourist related, so many of the properties have been altered and extended, change over the years has therefore been common.
Article continues below this advertisement “The proposals for this application do not change the buildings themselves in terms of their setting, or indeed their external appearance to any significance, the principles relate to change of use.
“The principles of alternate uses are not uncommon for this site, or indeed many of the buildings in the village, as such the proposals are not out of context.”
Historic England’s Official List Entry for the cottage said the building has a datestone labelled 1682. Changes were later made in the early 19th century and 20th century.
The council will make statutory decisions on Ms Hall’s applications on 13th January. A public consultation on the proposals will finish on 20th December.
My guess is it closed down in the first place
because they were too expensive.
B&M and Home Bargains, much cheaper for
Chocolates.
So always go for the cheapest then? In Newport. Weird
Will do, better value.
That’s the spirit. And Wetherspoons for a bargain lunch?
I’m not sure tourists were heading to B&M and Home Bargains for bespoke chocolates?
The only thing I saw bespoke was the prices.
So many Island businesses charge
excessive prices.
When the tourists have gone home, locals
won’t pay the prices.
The Rock shop is no different.
Tin of biscuits £15.99 similar Tin of biscuits in
Home Bargains £3.99
Don’t mention the Tony’s Bar of chocolates
doubie most retailers