Have a say on plans to tackle long-term empty shops in Bexhill
People are invited to have a say on a plan to tackle long-term empty shops in Bexhill.
Rother District Council is asking people to give their views on a proposal to make Bexhill Town Centre an area where High Street Rental Auction powers could be used.
The powers, introduced by government, are designed to help bring persistently vacant commercial properties back into use and support the regeneration of high streets.
This follows a review by the council into the potential benefits, risks and impact on resources of adopting the powers. The area is being considered as a pilot location for any future use of the scheme in the district.
A recent audit of commercial premises in the town centre found 55 vacant units out of 439 properties surveyed, representing a vacancy rate of 12.5 per cent.
A council spokesperson said: "While this is slightly below the national average, the audit identified clusters of empty premises in some parts of the town centre, particularly along London Road, Sackville Road, Sea Road and Devonshire Road.
"The audit also found that Bexhill continues to benefit from a strong mix of independent businesses, hospitality venues and professional services, but highlighted concerns around long-term vacant units, ageing buildings and changing patterns of high street use."
Councillor Christine Bayliss, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "Bexhill town centre has real strengths, with a strong mix of independent businesses, services and community assets, and we want to build on that momentum.
"Taking this next step will allow us to hear directly from residents, businesses, landlords and community partners about the proposed designation area and the role High Street Rental Auctions could potentially play as part of wider regeneration activity.
"It is right that we take a careful, evidence-led approach, learning from other councils that have been early HSRA adopters, and understanding local views before any further decisions are made."
The feedback will be considered before a report is presented to Cabinet on whether the council should proceed with adopting the powers.
The consultation runs until November 27. Visit: https://www.rother.gov.uk/consultations/high-street-rental-auctions/