Bid to replace former Wilds Sports store with kitchen showroom rejected

As previously reported, a planning application was submitted in September to convert the former Wilds Sports shop in Jewry Street.

The proposal was submitted by Jeffrey Forrester and included a change of shopfront and display of advertisement.

A separate application, also submitted by Mr Forrester, was seeking permission to create individual lettering studs fixed to timber fascia, changing the appearance of the former independent store.

A closer look at the plans showed that the building would be used by Tom Howley Kitchens, which describes itself on its website a having “established an exceptional reputation, where attention to detail and superb British craftsmanship are second to none”.

However, both applications have now been rejected by planners, who cited the negative impact it would have.

Planning officer Liz Marsden wrote in her decision: “The proposal would result in the removal of the recessed entrance, which would be infilled to create a flat frontage.

“Although the simple design of the proposed frontage is not unattractive, the loss of the existing detailing will have a material impact on the character and appearance of the building, to its detriment.”

That followed objections from both the City of Winchester Trust and the council’s own historic environment officer Stephen Appleby.

A spokesman for the trust told planners: “The existing shop front has fine details of architectural merit which contribute to the street scene and its character should be retained within the conservation area.

“The trust therefore objects to the removal of this significant shop frontage for what is considered to be a bland, incongruous and inferior replacement.”

If the application had been approved, it would have followed the arrival of another kitchen-maker in Winchester city centre, The Shaker Kitchen Company, which took over the former Cadogan and Co fashion store in The Square in February.