Sometimes planners are granting a change of use, such as in North Road where every other shop opposite the Jubilee site seems to be changing to A3, and at other times new traders are simply moving into an A1 shop and choosing not to apply for change of use then opening a food outlet.

Many of our members are worried that if this trend continues we may be in danger of not having enough different and unusual retailers so that the mix that makes North Laine so unique and bohemian could eventually be lost.

The North Laine has always been a continually evolving mix of residents, shops, cafes, pubs and back street workshops. It is not a theme park which can be “stopped in time”, but those of us who love North Laine, love the variety in our area and believe that we need to look carefully at the amount of new A3 use in relation to existing businesses.

What do you think? Contact NLTA secretary Peter Stocker with your views (go to the Homepage and click on North Laine Traders Association on the right hand side for contact details)