Pensioners living at a retirement village in Castle Bromwich have mounted a strong opposition to a new convenience shop's bid to obtain an alcohol licence, flooding Solihull Council with objections. Sami Atal, director of Open Late on Chester Road, has applied to the council for permission to sell alcohol daily between 7am and midnight. The grocery store is set to occupy a vacant unit that previously housed a menswear shop.
Residents voice concerns over late-night licence
Several objections have been lodged by residents of Henshaw Court, a retirement living accommodation on Chester Road. Mrs Dunn wrote in her objection: "I am concerned a licence at this location could lead to increased late-night noise and disturbance for nearby residents. I am also concerned it may contribute to anti-social behaviour in the area, including loitering, shouting, littering, and behaviour that may make local people feel unsafe or intimidated."
Another resident, Maureen Spicer, stated: "I live across the road in Henshaw Court. All our residents are between late 60s and 90s. The last thing we need at our age are people drinking and leaving the rubbish in our area. Since I have lived here I have already had a bedroom window broken by a beer bottle. Please give this some consideration as the late licence is really worrying everyone."
Councillor also objects to extended hours
Councillor David Hoey has also submitted an objection, writing: "Extended hours may encourage individuals to congregate in the vicinity of the premises, particularly during the evening, causing disturbance to nearby residents and businesses. The applicant has not, in my view, demonstrated why such extensive hours are necessary for an off-licence operation or how any risks associated with those hours will be adequately managed."
In response, Mike Nickson, director of licensing consultancy Inn Confidence acting on behalf of the applicant, argued: "Mr Atal has carefully considered the concerns raised and fully appreciates local residents are entitled to reassurance any licensed premises will be operated responsibly and with proper regard for the surrounding community. These (proposed hours to sell alcohol) are entirely conventional trading hours for a modern convenience store and are consistent with many similar premises operating both within Solihull and across the country. The application has been reviewed by all of the responsible authorities. None of these authorities has raised any objection to the application or requested any reduction in the proposed hours."
Decision pending before licensing panel
The authority's licensing act panel is scheduled to meet on July 13 to decide on the application. The panel, comprising councillors, has three options: grant the application as applied for, grant it with amendments to activities or times or with additional conditions, or refuse the application entirely. The meeting will be held at the Civic Suite from 4pm.
