'Fifty Shades' salon to open in former DIY store

A former DIY store in Washington is set for a new lease of life as a tanning and beauty salon after plans were approved by council chiefs.
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Earlier this year, Sunderland City Council received a planning application to convert a business space on Spout Lane in the Concord area.

According to planning documents, the unit was previously used by a DIY supplies business and is currently vacant.

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New proposals from Fifty Shades Ltd aimed to revamp the site as a beauty salon creating new jobs.

The salon was granted permission to open in the former DIY storeThe salon was granted permission to open in the former DIY store
The salon was granted permission to open in the former DIY store

The change of use bid also forms part of plans for the firm to vacate their current base off Waterloo Road in Washington.

Following consultation, council planners approved the move on Thursday, October 1.

A decision notice noted that the plans were acceptable and “unlikely to result in any serious detriment to highway safety or the amenities of the area.”

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Although the development does not include parking, planners stressed that free parking facilities are already available in the area.

The decision notice reads: “Although a sui generis use, the proposed tanning and beauty salon will provide a service that is complementary to the retail and leisure type of uses, such as hair salons and gyms, and are typically found within town centres.

“As the proposal will bring a vacant property back into use, the proposed use is considered likely to contribute to the vitality and viability of the district.”

A planning statement prepared for Fifty Shades Ltd states the move would also protect existing jobs and “improve the overall look of the building.”

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It goes on to say: “Currently the salon employs three part-time staff. It is envisaged that [the] move would allow this to increase to four part-time staff with the addition of two full-time staff.

“Situated close to other businesses within similar market demographics it is envisaged that the proposed use would increase footfall for other similar business as well as offering possible new clientele for the salon and increasing footfall to the general area.”

Under planning conditions, the change of use must be brought forward within the next three years.

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