Plans for transforming Mostyns into Emporium published - three months after it opened

Despite the Christchurch Emporium opening in April, with plans submitted to Christchurch Borough Council at the time, the scheme was only published on the council's website recently.

A spokesperson for the authority's planning department said the delay was due to a wait over validation documents from the applicant.

Until the council received these, the scheme could not be moved forward.

The Emporium had a turbulent start, after a dispute between its two directors led one to seek advice from insolvency experts.

When it opened, concerns were raised by a handful of Christchurch traders, over the lack of planning permission as well.

The proposal is seeking permission for the change of use of the former Mostyns factory, in Bridge Street to include approval for the retail warehouse, cafe and other facilities.

In a statement to the council, agents Tanner and Tilley say the building has been marketed with no interest or suitable tenants found.

"During this period of time it is also apparent that no wider economic or employment benefits could be enjoyed", the statement added.

The planning statement said the Emporium was expected to benefit around 200 stall holders.

"The Christchurch Emporium have secured a viable and sustainable business use for the unit which brings huge advantages for those who benefit as stall holders and traders.

"The proposals will directly benefit this immediate area of Christchurch and is expected to benefit the wider high street and retailers in the surrounding area with an increased level of footfall and retail activity more generally."

And in a bid to reassure worried traders, it also said: "The emporium is designed to help attract shoppers to Christchurch and not act as a pull away from the high street; they both offer very different retail experiences.

"Some of the stalls are more suitable to the ‘warehouse’ type retail with furniture and other bulky items for sale and display."