Part of a popular motorbike, cycle and repair shop in Deal could be demolished so two shops and flats can be built in its place.

Peter Hutchings, who has owned Hutchings Motorcycles for 40 years, submitted the plans in January giving details of two self contained flats, one maisonette and two retail units that could be built there.

The application form, submitted by Mr Hutchings' agent CB Planning, says: "The applicant has owned and run Hutchings Motorcycles for 40 years. It currently consists of a large shop front, workshop to the middle and a store room at rear (under the existing 2 flats) all at ground floor level.

"The building is constructed of poor fabric with multiple flat roofs and has no aesthetical value within the street scene.

"The applicant is at retirement age and has had no luck selling the site as it is.

"He now wishes to demolish the ground floor unit and replace it with a three storey building to match the existing flats above the store room to provide two smaller retail spaces, two 1 bed flats and one one bed maisonette.

"The existing flats above the store room are owed by the applicant but remain unchanged apart from two windows that get blocked up to facilitate the proposal."

Materials have been chosen to keep the development in keeping with the existing area such as yellow stock bricks to match existing three storey part off Middle Street, and timber framed sash windows with lead detailing to match other windows in the period properties on the junction between Middle Street and South Street.

The development, located in between the South Street and Middle Street car parks, would not provide any car parking spaces but provides six cycle spaces.

Statutory consultees Deal Town Council and Kent Highways do not object.

Southern Water said alternative methods to drain surface water are required because there are no public surface water sewers. Plus it is thought a public sewer crosses the site. If a sewer is found during the construction investigations into the ownership must happen.

A public comment from Margaret Chandler said: " I certainly think that the proposed building will enhance the look of South St, however I am disapointed with the shop front facade,very uninteresting.

I think it should look more in keeping with the proposed building and care taken with the signage."

Mr Hutchings told the Mercury that his plans follow requests from Kent County Council to tidy up the corner of the street. And the drawings were made up with care after he sought advice about what design would be acceptable from the council's pre-planning advice service.

If he receives planning he expects to retire.

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