Advice needed

[harvsuper123]

Hi,

I would like to have some advice regarding a situation.

I have recently bought a off-license supermarket about 6 months ago. A new building was being built across the road with flats and according to the planning permission a small area for a cafe/sandwich bar.

However I have recently found out that the commercial unit is larger than the plan and it is planned to be used as an A1 commercial unit. I would like to gain some advice regarding how to stop an off-license/supermarket opening across the road, as the road I am in already has a Costcutter 2-3mins walking distance away a very small off-license across the road and another small store again selling alcohol. I am in North London but the road is not very busy and has plenty of residential. Business has not been great for the past 2 months so another off-license opening will definitely affect my business.

Also some background information the previous owner lost his alcohol license and in the local council documents it was stated that they were trying to cut down the number of off-licenses in the area. How would I approach the council on this matter as they may just issue a license for that premises?

Thank you.

 

[Stephen Davies]

You could write to the council, but they tend to do as they please.
Otherwise, you can't do anything to stop competition from setting up.

Sorry

 

[harvsuper123]

If I write to the council who would I write to and what can I put into the letter.
I am really stressed at the moment as I recently bought the shop and business has been slow for the last 2 months. I am not worried about that but I am very worried as I have hefty debts to pay off and its really starting to stress me out.

 

[gr9ce]

Firstly I would check out your local councils website, assuming they have one. Then if there is a section for Planning and application search check your road/postcode. You should then be able to see all the planning applications in place for your location. You can then check their application to see the original plans/application approval and then if there have been any agreed changes to the application.

An approved application cannot simply be changed without some formal changes or application to remove or modify original consent conditions.

If the work appears to contravene the planning permission contact your local planning department/enforcement section for advice.

Check what use the application permitted, then check if there is any application for a change of use that affects your situation.

If the application is not online you need to contact your council and arrange to view the application.

Locals are always informed of planning applications locally and this should have been thoroughly checked before you occupied your premises.

I am not sure re licencing applications if local residents can comment/object to the granting of a licence on certain grounds. This would be a route to making your views known.

 

[Stuart Bailey]

there will be a planning officer who dealt with the initial planning application. You can get their details from the planning application on the local authority's website.

Speak to them they may be able to let you know what will be the permitted use and whether the current size of the unit is as per the plans.

You should also talk to your local counsellor, they will be able to look into the matter for you. If you get stuck give drop me an email.

Best wishes stu bailey Thomas Guise solicitors

 

[Chris Ashdown]

When you brought the shop did your solicitor make any mention of the new build and what did he inform you, he was responsible for the serch of anything effecting your premises

 

[Stuart Bailey]

how would the solicitor know about the future building projects in the area?

 

[Chris Ashdown]

That is part of their job in buying a house or taking over a shop etc it's called a search for anything that may effect the building in the future that has been published the dsay they do it

You would not want to buy a house and find out two weeks latter its due to be knocked down for a new motorway thats been planned a few weeks before

 

[gr9ce]

Planning applications are usually published in local papers. The parish notice board for the area will also publish planning applications due for discussion and approval. All local housing and businesses close to a planning application site are also circulated with the information so that plans can be viewed and commented on prior to approval/refusal.

It is therefore a good idea to always talk to neighbouring businesses etc prior to committing to lease/purchase to find out if anything is planned locally.

If your council publishes these on a website it is usually weekly. Searching for historical applications can usually be done by postcode or street address.