Convenience store conversion at 13 Parkstone Parade, Hastings

“AGENDA ITEM NO:5 (a) Report to: PLANNING COMMITTEE Date of Meeting: December 2025 Report from: Planning Services Manager Application address:13 Parkstone Parade, Hastings, TN34 2PS Proposal:Proposed Change of Use of ground floor from Laundrette (Sui Generis) to Convenience Store (Class E), with Installation of Roller Shutter to front and rear, 3 No.”

“A solid black aluminium roller shutter has already been installed, but this is intended to be removed and replaced with the open-style shutter. A condition will be attached to ensure this replacement is carried out in a timely manner.”

“Parkstone Road and benefits from a large customer car park at the front, as well as a servicing yard and a block of garages to the rear, accessed from Parkstone Road. The unit was formerly used as a launderette but is currently vacant. Although the parade is commercial in nature, it is surrounded by residential properties, with flats situated above at first-floor level.”

“While the proposal involves the loss of the existing laundrette, a community facility, it would be replaced by another community facility, a convenience store, which is explicitly recognised as such in the NPPF. The laundrette is currently vacant, and the proposal would bring the unit back into active use, providing both employment and a useful service to the surrounding area.”

“Consultation comments Environmental Health -No objection subject to conditions Waste Services - No objection Planning Policy - No comment received Planning Practice Guidance (2021) What happens where a statutory consultee is unable to meet the deadlines for responding? Local planning authorities are expected to determine applications for planning permission, within a time period of 5, 8, 13 or 16 weeks (depending on the type of development).”

“There are concerns that having two similar shops may not be economically viable and could risk the loss of the existing Co-Op. ·The site may be better suited for alternative uses. ·The condenser units are considered visually unattractive and may generate noise. ·Concerns exist regarding the welfare of children using the shop, given the proximity of the school; customers should be appropriately age-checked.”

“Concerns regarding the economic impact on existing businesses is not a relevant planning consideration, as competition is not a matter for the planning system. Unauthorised works have been carried out on site. The applicant has been advised to cease further works until the correct planning permissions are obtained. This application is submitted partially retrospectively to regularise the works already undertaken.”

“In response to Cllr Collins’ concern that the application was retrospective, the Planning Officer advised that most of the works had already been carried out prior to the application being determined. Once the Council had become aware of this, the applicant was instructed to cease all works. The development was still required to follow the same planning process as any other application and to be assessed against all relevant material considerations.”

“Councillor Horn echoed several concerns raised by residents, including the presence of the Co-op store. However, she stated that it was preferable to have a premises in active use rather than standing empty and noted that the proposed convenience store was significantly smaller than the Co-op. She emphasised that residents could continue to patronise the Co-op if they wished.”

“Councillor Beaver re-iterated his previously stated disapproval of retrospective planning applications and hoped that, in future, such applications could be refused with a requirement to remove unauthorised works. Despite those concerns, Councillor Beaver confirmed that he could see no reason to refuse the application and moved approval of the proposal.”

“With approval having been proposed by Councillor Beaver, duly seconded by Councillor Warne, the Chair called upon Members to vote whereupon the Committee:”

“Within 3 months of the date of this permission, the replacement shutter to the…”

“In the event that contamination is found at any time when carrying out the proposed development, that was not previously identified, (such as asbestos containing material), works should cease immediately on site. A scheme of proposed remediation measures must be submitted to and approved in writing to the Local Planning Authority for approval prior to continuation of the works within one working day of the contamination being found on site.”