Nisa Convenience Store (Former White Lion Public House)

Q+A Planning secured planning permission in April 2020 for the demolition of a former public house and subsequent redevelopment of the site to provide a three-storey mixed use building comprising ground floor convenience store and 8 apartments above. The store is to be operated as a local community foodstore by Nisa.

Notwithstanding the building’s longstanding vacancy, it was asserted that the proposed convenience store and accompanying residential use would best be provided through the demolition of the former pub and erection of a purpose built, sympathetic development, which is suited to the requirements of modern convenience store operators.
We were able to persuade the Council that the proposals represented a sustainable form of economic development which will make a positive contribution to the local area and stimulate growth, jobs and prosperity – bringing back into active use a site in a sustainable location for the benefit of the local community.

Q+A successfully justified the loss of the pub, designated as a community facility under national planning policy, through close liaison with the applicant’s viability consultant covering financial matters and evidence of marketing. Separately, we undertook an analysis of comparable alternative facilities within a radius of the site in order to demonstrate that the area is well served by a range of pubs and eateries which adequately cover the spectrum of demand.

Post approval, Q+A continue to provide planning consultancy advice, securing various amendments and are currently engaged in managing the discharge of all necessary planning conditions.

For any further information, or general enquiries, please contact Tom Hallett.