Businesses at mercy of the planners

Comment on Big building projects left hanging in limbo from page 11

WE ARE at the mercy of the elements at the moment.

As the temperature rises, degree by degree, our moods get brighter, summer seems just a few days away and January days don't seem so bleak.

But on days when it suddenly and sharply plummets and we are left shivering and trying to de-ice our cars with numb fingers, it seems the cold snap will never end.

Our winter weather is holding us in suspense – and it isn't the only sort of limbo Sevenoaks residents are in these days.

Looking back at some of our most eye-catching front pages from last year, many deal with the prospect of new businesses coming to town and eyesore building sites finally developing into a residential and retail metropolis.

But German supermarket giant Lidl's plans to begin trading in the town at the old Caffyn's site in London Road seem to have been thwarted at almost every turn by planning regulations.

Almost a year after we first reported its arrival, Lidl is still in pre-planning stages.

Our Wonderlounge cocktail bar front page, for a novelty nightspot in the High Street, sparked excitement.

But despite their promises to open before Sevenoaks rang in 2012, bosses admit they're still working on the finer details – and hope to begin business in the spring or summer.

Meanwhile, one of the town's biggest eyesores – the boarded-up former Farmers' pub site by the station – shows no sign of clearing up.

Irish company Glenman Corporation bought the plot several years ago and promised to turn it into a thriving hub of residential and commercial properties.

But now it's back on the market once again and there are no signs of a new buyer.

We're always pleased to hear new business is coming to town and bucking the trend of the economic downturn. But while we're sure it's even more frustrating for the businesses themselves, being stuck in limbo with these big developments can be discouraging.

When the 99p Stores came to the High Street, clearing out the temporary Waitrose site, stocking the shelves and opening its doors in a matter of weeks, many residents reacted with horror.

But no matter what your opinion of the discount shop, no one can deny it was turned around quickly – and business seems to be thriving – which is more than can be said for Lidl, Wonderlounge or the Farmers' site.