A new business looks set to fill the space at 46 Howe Street formerly occupied by News Corner (Ref. 15/00928/ADV)
Pad Lifestyle Ltd have received consent to cover the glass with ‘opaque window manifestations’, repaint some of the woodwork ‘Downpipe’ grey, and install a modest copper-clad projecting sign which they will illuminate with mini-spotlights.
Interestingly, they are to retain the current signage, so we assume that another newsagent/greengrocer is intended for the site.
Pad Lifestyle Ltd’s registered address is 108 George Street and has only been operating since September last year. It has two directors and no obvious purpose. It appears to have been a commercial entity waiting for the right opportunity to present itself.
Spurtle would be very pleased to see No. 46 back in active use.
He seeks permission to change the property’s use from Class 1 retail to Class 11 (restricted to the use of yoga, but with no music).
The proposal is for a dedicated yoga studio with reception space, changing facilities, and two studios for up to 26 and 8 people respectively.
'Yoga is a silent activity,’ writes Wilson’s agent David Blaikie Architects, ‘and there will be no music playing equipment on the premises making it an ideal use for its location. There are no impact movements within the activity which could transfer vibration to the structure causing nuisance in adjacent properties. At basement level below the large and small yoga studios there is an established cafe and a light fitting fabrication workshop.
‘My client has canvassed opinion amongst the local traders who have unanimously agreed that his proposed use would be a beneficial effect on the commercial viability of the area.'
Yoga is not a silent or impactless activity the way this Spurtle correspondent does it, but that says more about an inflexible approach, lack of balance, and diet.
We would welcome the rapid re-use of No. 71 and wish the venture every success.
