Conversion of The Swan pub to a shop and flat wins appeal after council refusal. Concerns over parking and safety dismissed.
Umer appealed this decision in September. A government inspector sided with Umer. He even made the council pay Umer’s costs. Umer is thrilled about winning the appeal.
Locals worried about bad behavior, parking, and road safety. They objected to Umer’s store. The council agreed with them back in May. They noted the store wasn’t near other shops.
The council thought deliveries would hurt road safety. They felt there wasn’t enough parking for the store. The inspector disagreed with these points. He considered the pub that used to be there.
The inspector saw parking nearby and bus stops. He didn’t think delivery trucks would make roads unsafe. The store’s size didn’t worry him and he disagreed that roads would become more dangerous.
Some people wondered if another store was needed. The inspector noted the location was a local center. He said a store fits that area’s purpose well. He allowed the appeal and ordered the council to pay.
Nazia Shah, Umer’s agent, confirmed he won. He will receive costs and plans to build the store. She also stated that Umer is very happy.
The council is disappointed by the inspector’s choice. They said residents complained about safety concerns. The inspector overturned their refusal anyway.