Plans to open a convenience store on a “unique” high street have split opinion – with many fearing the town centre is losing its charm.
Those living in Tenterden previously raised concerns about the arrival of a Domino’s pizza takeaway, saying the chain would not fit in.
Now similar worries have been shared over a bid for a Premier store in the former Tenterden Antiques Centre unit, which had run for more than 30 years.
Sathiya Palanisamy has applied to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) for a premises licence to open the site, which would operate from 6am until 11pm, seven days a week.
The unit has been empty since the end of January and sold for £278,000 at a Clive Emson auction in March in a deal which also included the neighbouring unit.
It is not yet known when the store will open, but a ‘coming soon’ sign has been erected in the front window, leading to a mixed response from residents.
One said “first Domino’s and now this” when sharing a photo of the unit in a Facebook residents’ group, while others raised concerns the town would lose its “uniqueness”.
Goudhurst resident Laura Collins, who visits Tenterden once a week to see her in-laws, says the town “thrives” on its “interesting little shops”, with a number of independent stores lining the high street.
“If everything becomes functional then it’ll die,” she said.
“I just think it is very sad that a little antique shop which had been there for years and added interest to the high street should be replaced by a convenience store.
“Tenterden still has a vibrant high street compared to others.”
Cllr Kayleigh Brunger-Randall (Con), who represents the Weald North ward, says the Premier store could be useful for residents, especially when existing supermarkets Tesco and Waitrose close.
“I’m glad to see a vacant space being utilised,” she said.
“Premier is great for the workers in the high street on the go, or for the residents who need something out of hours.
“I just hope they do not take too much trade away from our already competitive eateries with convenience food, and their frontage is in keeping with the conservation area.
“As a tourist hotspot, the cafes, pubs and restaurants rely on trade to keep afloat.
Premier is owned by Booker Group – a subsidiary of Tesco – and has more than 4,000 stores in the UK, selling groceries and alcohol.
Gea Pereira, who opened Cornucopia Bottle Shop and Tasting Room in the high street earlier this year, said the convenience store’s long opening hours will be beneficial.
“My price point is very different – it’s a convenience store and my concept is completely different,” said the 53-year-old, who lived in Smarden before moving to Tenterden.
“I think the great thing is there will be something after 4pm on a Sunday when Tesco closes.
“There is no other business outlet here to buy things like vapes and cigarettes for example when that happens apart from a garage, so I think it can only be advantageous for everybody.”
Domino’s opened at the opposite end of the high street to the proposed Premier in May last year, filling the former Lloyds bank unit which had sat empty since 2017.
Tenterden is also home to Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero and Holland and Barrett, among other national chains.
Efforts made by KentOnline to contact Sathiya Palanisamy for a comment were unsuccessful.
