AN electric bicycle shop is coming to the centre of Romsey. 

Tom Corcoran, manager director of The Cycle Company, has applied to convert the former Taylor Hill and Bond estate agents unit at 86 The Hundred.

The Cycle Company, which currently has a shop in Shawford, wants to remove the stud walls, replace the rear door, install three internal shutters, cladding, CCTV cameras, paint the shop front and have facia signage. 

By April 1, no comments in support or objection had been submitted. Romsey Town Council's planning committee decided against sending an objection at its meeting on March 28.

On the planning statement, it said: “The works proposed are minor in nature and only constitute improving the internal look of the shop and improving the security. All work is internal, with the exception of re-painting the advertising board of the shop front.

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Hampshire Chronicle: 86 The Hundred

“The proposed alterations are required to achieve a layout more suitable for the proposed use of the ground floor as an electric bike shop. As stated above the alterations are minimal and do not affect the historic character or integrity of the listed building.

“As the proposed works are internal, there will be no effect on the appearance of the listed building. The roller shutters will only be put down at night in the same way curtains or blinds are used and by having this made in the same colour as the shop front branding, ensures a professional finish.

“The stud walls it is proposed to remove are modern additions which do not form part of the historic fabric of the building and do not affect the particular physical features of the building that justify its listing. The same is relevant for the plywood cladding, which will be fitted to the recently added plasterboard walls.

“It is clear from the above that the proposed works will be minor in nature and will not affect the historic character and fabric of the building or result in the loss of, or damage to, features of architectural or historic importance. Overall the external appearance of the building will be enhanced following the removal of excessive advertising signage and cleaning/painting of the shopfront.”

For more details about the business, visit thecyclecompany.co.uk. 

For more information on the planning application, search 24/00560/LBWS on Test Valley Borough Council's online planning portal.