I also agree that the frontage of the launderette is a disappointing entry for visitors to Forest Hill, but that should not be the reason for a change of use class to A2.

The launderette is still used by quite a few people, it is a great way to wash duvets and pillows or rugs, that will not fit in your normal domestic machine. For others it is essential as they do not have a washing machine in their home. This was one of the reasons it was supported by a petition of 200 people objecting to the planning application.

I would be very happy to see a launderette open somewhere else on the high street and better use made of the existing unit. I can think of a number of more imaginative uses than a fifth estate agent on that junction. Think of some of the A1 shops that have opened in Forest Hill in the last few years; sweet shop, deli, butcher, boutique, haberdashery, and many others that get more daily footfall and would increase, rather than decrease, the vitality of the high street.

This was not a decision to keep the frontage looking uncared for, the freehold is for sale, and I'm sure the new owner will want to improve the frontage. The decision was about the balance of retail offering on our high street, in the core shopping area, on a key site. The committee rightly determined that the protections afforded to a core shopping area to keep the vitality of retail units rather than offices, meant that an estate agent was not helpful in this position.