Kentish Express Ashford & District
Grounds for optimism as cafe plans revealed
A planning application has been submitted to transform an empty shop into a cafe.
Plans have been submitted for an independent coffee shop, Café Madeleine, to move into the former Burton store on the high street.
The men’s clothing shop was in the town for 84 years but closed in June 2016.
Burton, which is part of the Arcadia Group that also owns Top Shop, Dorothy Perkins and Miss Selfridge, was called Montague Burton when it opened in 1932.
Ashford historian Steve Salter said: “When it was built, it was deemed one of the most futuristic and modern buildings in the town.
“It was a very grand, uniformed style and all of the Burton shops looked similar.
“However, it did fall into a state of disrepair and had quite a lot of damage which is why there was scaffolding up last year.”
Since the departure of Burton, the shop has been the temporary home of the Christmas Shop for the past two years but then remained empty after the festive months.
However, this could soon change if the planning application is approved.
Cllr Graham Gaplin, Ashford Borough Council portfolio holder of town centres focus and business dynamics, said: “I’m very pleased with the plans and that people have continued to show an interest in our flourishing town.
“There’s been a lot of interest in the shop but they had to bring it back up to standard beforehand.
“It is different to how it was in the 1930s with people buying things online and comparison shopping but one of Ashford’s strengths is that it is not stuck with one identity.”
He added: “Ashford is a very good choice and it is growing in terms of leisure.
“It is still a place where people can come shopping and meet friends for a coffee and that is only improving.
“I’m looking forward to how it turns out.”
The decision for the planning application will be determined in March.
What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, Unit 4, Park Mall shopping centre, Ashford TN24 8RY or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup. co.uk