Former post office in Pilley to be returned to residential accommodation, national park authority rules
CONVERTING Pilley’s former post office back to a home has been approved despite calls from parish councillors to delay the scheme until the new community shop is on its feet.
The plan from Mr Baker, who lives in the property, included change of use as well as partial removal of the frontage new doors and windows.
As reported in the A&T, the shop in Pilley Street shut earlier this year with the operation moving to an extension at Boldre War Memorial Hall.
The subsequent application for the old post office was discussed at a meeting of the national park authority’s planning committee, with members voting unanimously in favour.
Boldre Parish Council had objected, however, saying it should be delayed while the community shop gets established.
It called the application “premature” and argued the viability of the village’s new store was not yet fixed.
Six neighbours had also objected, claiming new windows would lead to a loss of privacy and a new door would open directly onto the Forest.
But NPA member Richard Taylor supported the plans and said: “This is a proposal for a change of use back to what it was originally.
“I don’t think waiting to see if another shop succeeds or otherwise is going to make any difference. If the lease [at the former post office] isn’t going to be renewed, then it is not going to be used as a shop.”
Agent Deborah Slade told the meeting that Mr Baker, who is disabled, currently lived in “substandard accommodation” at the back of his property and the changes would enable him to have better accessibility.
The alterations would also let his family, on whom he is increasingly dependant, stay at the property, she added.
Planning committee chair Gordon Bailey said many post offices across the New Forest and in local parishes had closed down and been returned to residential accommodation.
He added: “It is unfortunate – a sign of the times.”
Internal alterations, including a new staircase, were also part of the plans, although these do not require planning permission.