by Rebecca Hannant
Plans to build 10 microbusiness kiosks in Withernsea have been approved.
In July, Withernsea Town Council submitted two planning applications – one for 28 beach huts along Central Promenade, and the other for 10 kiosks, including site levelling, paving and mesh cage retaining walls, in Valley Gardens.
The plans were launched after the town council and East Riding Council held a joint consultation seeking views on a seafront regeneration project that would bring footfall and trade to the area.
Planning for the 28 beach huts was granted in June, but the kiosks application was later withdrawn after it was determined that some of the units would be sited over the public sewerage system.
Yorkshire Water objected to the plans on the basis that it would seriously jeopardise its ability to maintain the sewage network.
The plans were readjusted and resubmitted in September, and approval was granted on Monday, November 3.
The 10 kiosks will be placed in a semicircular arrangement, creating a coastal market for new small businesses. Four units will be sited on the eastern elevation, three on the southern elevation and three on the western elevation.
The 12ft-by-12ft kiosks will be available to rent to small businesses and start-ups for a fee.
They are designed to be small and low-cost, providing space for microbusinesses and new start-ups, while also supporting larger seasonal markets and events.
Withernsea Town Council hopes this will attract local key services, while boosting tourism and the local economy.
While it is keen to support new businesses, the town council will set minimum opening requirements ensuring businesses are available all year round, and hopes to encourage key businesses currently not available or in short supply in the town including fishmongers, greengrocers or bakers – but says it will also be careful not to pull business away from Queen Street.
The plans have been broadly welcomed by local councillors, but residents have raised concerns about how the kiosks will be managed and used all year round, and what plans are in place to protect them from vandalism and antisocial behaviour.