Plans to change Sidmouth’s former HSBC shopfront style refused

Plans to change the shopfront style of Sidmouth's former HSBC bank premises have been refused by East Devon District Council.

The vacant premises on the corner of Fore Street and New Street used to house an HSBC branch before it closed in September last year.

The applicant had wanted to restore its frontage to "something more typical of this area of the town, similar to that of Seasalt", a clothes shop opposite.

Seasalt opposite former HSBC branch, Sidmouth (Google)

The plans included removing existing windows and replacing them with large double-glazed shop windows, as well as moving the front door from New Street to Fore Street.

But the district council has refused to give permission.

The local authority said the alterations would have failed "to pay sufficient regard to the design and appearance of the upper floors of the host building", giving the building "an incongruous and discordant appearance".

It would also have failed "to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of Sidmouth Conservation Area, and would adversely affect the setting of nearby listed buildings", the council added.

As for moving the entrance to Fore Street, the council said it would have been "less convenient and less safe for pedestrians, including wheelchair users" as the pavement is narrower.

Click here to see the application.