City of Wolverhampton Council has threatened enforcement action against a barbershop that opened without planning permission on Dudley Road in Blakenhall. The barbershop, Fresh Look, began operating last year without the required approval from the local authority.
Planning Application Rejected
The council rejected a retrospective planning application submitted six months ago seeking to remove a condition that restricted the building’s use to a lettings agent only. The condition also limited closing times to 7pm on weekdays and 5pm on weekends. The building is situated between two residential properties.
Council officers recommended refusal when the planning committee met earlier this month. The council stated that if the barbershop does not cease operations and remove equipment, it will “take formal planning enforcement action in order to protect the interests of the amenity of the area.”
Noise and Parking Concerns
Rejecting the application, the council argued that lifting the restriction would lead to increased noise, more comings and goings, and longer hours that would “cause longer periods of disturbance.” The council added: “Furthermore, the use of a barbershop would generate a significant increase in vehicle trips when compared to the approved use for property lettings, and a significant increase in car parking demand at a location that is already very heavily subscribed with on-street parking.”
“Therefore, the proposal has an adverse impact on neighbouring amenities, the character of the area and highway safety in comparison to a lettings agent which is the permitted use for this site.”
Potential Uses Without Restriction
A council report noted that removing the condition would allow the building to be used for a “wide array of occupiers such as a cafe or restaurant, day nursery or light industrial use.” In contrast, a lettings agent is typically a quieter office use with minimal noise and disturbance due to the nature of the business.
Planners highlighted that Dudley Road experiences “high volumes of traffic” and that “very little” on-street parking is available, which is already “heavily subscribed.” The council stated: “There are already street parking issues along the public highway, in which the barbershop has increased the number of vehicles being parked outside neighbouring properties due to the current use.”
“The use of the barbershop, with neighbouring residential properties either side, attracts a significant amount of customers throughout the day for longer periods of hours in comparison to the approved lettings agents which is detrimental and has an adverse impact on the daily life of the adjoining residential properties where there is already limited on-street parking and adding to congestion.”
