"Devastated" : Lancaster wool shop to close as student flats plan looks set for green light

A popular Lancaster wool shop will close and search for another home as plans for student flats look set to get the go-ahead.

Hester's Haberdashery on Gage Street announced their final day of trading in their current shop will be Saturday May 24.

This came as plans to convert their building into 30 student studio flats were recommended for approval.

A post on the Hester's Haberdashery Facebook page said they were "devastated".

LISTEN to our interview with Leanne Bisset from Hester's Haberdashery

"The position has unfortunately now become untenable," said shop owner Leanne Bisset, speaking to Beyond Radio.

"We feel that we can't carry on in this building with the pressures and issues that we've got.

"We've decided now is the time to look elsewhere, and hopefully re-establish the business in another location.

"We've been issued a notice to vacate the building, by the landlord."

Customers of Hester's Haberdashery have been responding to news of the closure, on the shop's Facebook page.

Joan said: "So sorry to hear this. Always helpful when I'm looking for something, no matter how small the purchase. I do hope you find somewhere soon."

Pam said: "Really sorry to hear this. I've used your shop and market stall prior to that for many years. I really hope you can find another suitable shop in Lancaster very soon."

Ros said: "Oh no, that's awful, really sorry to hear this. I hope that you will be able to find somewhere else, you're a Lancaster institution!"

Leanne said this has made her feel "really valued".

"We've had so messages, phone calls, and it's heartwarming," she said.

"Everybody wants us to continue. We want to continue. We've got to get some ducks in a row and find new premises in Lancaster town."

The shop sells a range of sewing and knitting products, and has been established in Lancaster for more than 50 years.

It was previously run by Margaret Leach, and based at Lancaster indoor market. Leanne worked for Margaret in the shop when she was a teenager, and she and her late mother Eileen took over the business around 24 years ago.

The building is also home to Ladbrokes bookmakers. 

A planning application for change of use and conversion of the first, second and third floors of 3-12 Gage Street into 30 student studios went in to Lancaster City Council earlier this year.

There would be 15 couple studios and 15 single studios. 

The scheme also includes dormer extensions, a third floor roof extension and access through one of the existing ground floor retail units.

The remaining ground floor would include a bike store, a small gym, and a laundry for student use. A games room would be included on the third floor level.

Below, how the new student development might look. Image: Zub Architecture

A council report, published this week, said 77 public comments had been received in response to the application, 76 of which raise objections.

Objections included the loss of Hester’s Haberdashery, calling it "an essential business that many would struggle without."

Other objections said there is "not enough housing for local families and more social housing is needed" and that "Lancaster is already saturated with purpose-built student housing, and this development would exacerbate the existing problems facing our community".

The council report says: "One item has been received in support of the application from the applicant (47-51 North Road Limited) seeking to address some of the concerns raised:

"The proposed development will retain two large commercial units on the ground floor, ensuring that retail and business activity continues in the area. Additionally, the now-vacant former pharmacy unit is subject to a separate application to be divided into two units, which will increase commercial opportunities and provide Hester's with a potential alternative location should they choose to relocate.

"The provision of high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation in the city centre offers multiple benefits - reduces pressure on traditional housing stock; by providing dedicated student accommodation, the proposal will help free up HMOs (Houses of Multiple Occupancy) and traditional family homes, making more housing available to local residents; enhances the vitality of the city centre - students bring economic and social benefits, supporting local businesses, cafes, and services, particularly in an area that has seen increased retail challenges; investment in a neglected site - the application site is currently in a severely dilapidated condition.

"This proposal will bring much-needed investment, preserving and enhancing the historic character of the Dalton Square Conservation Area through subtle and timeless external improvements.

"Contrary to some claims, student numbers in Lancaster remain stable, and demand for high quality, well-located accommodation persists.

"Even if overall student numbers were to decline in the future, the need for purpose-built student housing remains critical to reducing the reliance on traditional residential properties in suburban areas.

"This proposal presents a balanced and forward-thinking approach to the sustainable development of Lancaster's city centre, ensuring continued commercial viability while addressing the housing needs of both students and local residents."

The Lancaster City Council report, published with the meeting agenda, also says: "Subsequent to the comments made by the applicant, further comments have been received from a representative of Hester's Haberdashery who advises that possibility of the relocation of their business into any space within the now vacant old pharmacy unit has not been put to them."

Council planning officers have recommended that the scheme be given planning permission.

"The proposal would renovate this this prominent building and bring the upper floors back in to use, with moderate weight afforded to the social and economic benefits of providing student accommodation in this city centre location," says the report.

"The site is within a regeneration priority area and the proposal would positively contribute to addressing the provision of housing within the district which is afforded significant weight.

"The development of student accommodation would positively contribute to the District’s acute housing supply needs and should be considered in the context of the presumption in favour of sustainable development.

"On balance it is considered that the shortcomings of the proposal do not individually nor cumulatively, significantly and demonstrably outweigh the identified economic, social, and accommodation provision benefits."

The council's planning regulatory committee, a group of elected councillors, will make the final decision on whether to grant planning permission.

They will discuss this at a meeting at Morecambe Town Hall on Tuesday May 27. This starts at 10.30am and is open to the public.

You can view the plans in the planning section of the Lancaster City Council website lancaster.gov.uk - reference number 25/00073/FUL. 

Read more: Plans to convert offices above Lancaster shops into 30 student flats - Beyond Radio