I reckon the FHSoc are getting too much of a kicking through people not really understanding what their objection is - or I may be wrong?

As I understand it they objected to the change of use to A2, which would allow office use for estate agency etc. The current 'sui-generis' use would not prohibit a normal A1 shop user taking it on if nobody fancies making a go of the launderette.

So the FHSoc's objection and the planning department's refusal does not mean that the premises must remain as a launderette - it could also be used for any normal A1 retail business.

Also, the freeholder doesn't have any obligation to smarten-up the shopfront except if it was deemed by the council to be so delapidated as to fall foul of its conservation area rules. So as this site is clearly so important to a great many people it might be an idea for the FHSoc, the council and the freeholder to get their heads together and work out a jointly funded resolution.

In the meantime, Pedder are probably appealing the planning refusal and, if they're successful, they will be reinstating the shopfront at their expense so I can't imagine the landlord wanting to put his hand in his pocket until the result comes back after about 6 months.

Finally, if Pedder do get it, their existing premises opposite Sainsburys would make a nice little launderette wouldn't it?