Businesses in Petersfield’s Bakery Lane are facing more uncertainty as another planning application throws their future into doubt. 

Blacksmith's Daughter owner Kristina Cousen is concerned about what lies ahead as a new planning application could lead to the demolition of her florist shop.

The landlord is seeking to demolish the single-storey buildings housing her shop and Fez Bazaar with a single story commercial unit, claiming the current structure is “no longer fit for purpose”. 

“I’ve been here for 25 years and it's extremely stressful,” Ms Cousen said.

“It is very difficult to try and run a business under such pressure. If the application is successful then where do we go in the meantime?

“There is no monetary gain and it's absolutely no gain to the Petersfield community whatsoever.”

The latest submission marks the fourth time the landlord has tried to replace the building; the previous application went to appeal but was dismissed.

The current application is open for consultation until Friday, November 1 and the online portal has been flooded with objections. Reasons given include the historic importance of the buildings, the resultant closure of businesses, and the loss of jobs.

Cllr Thomas Figgins for St Peters said: "Like much of the community, I oppose this application and will not be supporting it when it comes to committee.

“The area in question is of significant value to the town's history and feel. Not to mention that it would harm several treasured businesses and for those reasons I will oppose it."

One objection described the application as a “money-making scheme” and said it shows no “empathy for the people who make a living from them”.

Ms Cousen added: “If the landlord is successful then he will be putting two very successful and small independent businesses out of business.”