Concern over loss of office space in Midhurst

Members of Midhurst Town Council’s planning committee were discussing a plan to change the use of existing offices on the first floor above Stockley Trading in North Street.

Chairman of the committee Gordon McAra told fellow councillors: “We have lost some 24 offices in the town in the last couple of years, principally for housing.

“This is because the government has made the ability to change from offices to housing more easy. But there comes a point where we will run out of offices.”

He said among offices lost were blocks at Peachey House and Hatton House in Bepton Road as well as the ‘ big chunk’ of space formerly a solicitors office in Market Square.

In addition an office at Eagle House had now become a shop.

“We need to keep a very close eye on this,” Mr McAra warned “and judge everything on its planning merits and the wider issues.”

Town councillors decided not to raise an objection to the plan for two one bedroomed flats above Stockey Trading.

Town councillor Jeanette Sutton pointed out: “We desperately need that sort of accommodation in Midhurst.”

But the town council is to ask Chichester District Council for a list of all office space in Midhurst.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.midhurstandpetworth.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MidhurstandPetworthObserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @mid_pet_obs

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Midhurst and Petworth Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.