Southend Sancto party shop plans for 11 flats unveiled

Sancto, in London Road, Southend, closed after 70 years in business in September. The building was sold for just over £1million.

With distinctive red and yellow branding, Sancto was familiar to generations of families who bought balloons, party costumes, posters, and party signs there.

Now, a planning application has been submitted to Southend Council, to convert the former shop into 11 flats.

As it is now - Sancto on London Road. (Image: NQ)

Agents working on behalf of ITB Developments have applied for change of use, to convert the existing building from a shop to flats.

Maxine Sadza, Labour councillor for Milton, would be “sad” to see the family-run shop turned into flats.

She said: “It’s always sad to lose a family business, and a well-known one. There’s not really provision for party wear in the city any more.

“I used it quite a lot, and bought several outfits from there over the years. The people there were very friendly and helpful.”

Ms Sadza says it is “concerning” to lose an independent business in central Southend, adding:

“It’s concerning as a Milton councillor to see a business go in the city centre.

“At the same time, we also need housing. But most developers are not catering for social or affordable housing, which we need more of.”

The Solly family took over the business in 1953 from Mr W.E. Sancto  who founded the party supplies store for “only £100” in 1910  and continued to grow it over the next seven decades.

The last owners - Alan and Mirjam Solly. (Image: Tanya Solly)

Latest owner Alan Solly’s father Charles set up shop in West Road, Westcliff, before moving into 99 High Street in Clifftown Road due to its “sheer popularity”.

The business then moved to its final premises on London Road in the late 1960s, where it remained.

Alan and Mirjam Solly ran the business for over 52 years. Son Steve worked there full-time from 1993 and was joined by daughter Anna in 2000.

Southend Council will have the final say on the plans.