Strand on the Green Dry Cleaner Looking at Alternatives
Rising energy costs leads to bid to change use of premises
Picture: Lapels Dry Cleaning
April 16, 2023
The owners of a Strand on the Green dry cleaning business are planning to convert their premises into a shop or café due to the steep rise in energy costs.
An application (PALL/2023/1062) for a change of use has been submitted to Hounslow Council for 107 Strand on the Green which faces Kew Bridge. It is currently occupied by Lapels and has been a dry cleaning shop since 2007.
A statement submitted with the application says, “Due to the energy crisis we are finding it incredibly difficult to meet the requirements. So looking forward we are now requesting a change of use to either a coffee shop or convenience shop.”
It is pointed out that neighbouring premises have the required A3 licence and so it is argued that there should be no grounds for refusal.
This is the latest example of local businesses closing or reducing operating hours due to increased energy costs. The nearby Watermans Arts Centre also announced this week that it was reducing the number of days it was opening due to rising bills for heating and lighting.
The level of government support for businesses for energy was reduced earlier this month and some are also facing the additional challenge of the end of cheaper fixed rate deals. This means that many will have seen a doubling of what they pay in April on top of a host of other cost increases.
Further announcements of closures and reduced operating hours are expected in the near future.
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