Follow up to the concern of a re-application of the unit at 2 York Way to trade after 23:00 and change of the conservation area approved shop-front.
A new fast food style shopfront has been installed. I’ve checked with the planning team at LBI and planning approval of the re-application has not been given and, even if it had, the new shopfront is nothing like the plan that was submitted.
- The unapproved shopfront
We’ve been promised swift action to restore the ground floor of the building to its original state.
Three cheers – this is another example of how our Community Bulletin Board as worked for the neighbourhood. Something happens, folks are alerted, letters are written, the Council understands the mood of the neighbourhood and ACTION (well in most instances).
We all mus play our part if we want things to change…
So a reminder – have you all written to Jan Hart, Director of Public Protection (jan.hart@islington.gov.uk) about the shopfront changes at Soho Books?
This ongoing battle against small local businesses baffles me. Am I the only person who can’t see the problem? Surely the MacDonalds, the Nandos and the Pret are more obnoxious? Have you nothing better to do than make life difficult for people trying to bring their small businesses to the area?
Hi Lorraine,
Those of us who have taken time to raise concerns over planning breaches have done so because we believe it’s unfair and damaging for the area if commercial units (or anyone else) ignore planning and trading law. In this case, conservation guidle-lines on signage/shop-fronts and trading as a take-away and after 23:00 without consent. The same effort would be applied to Nandos or any other commercial unit if they broke planning and trading conditions. Ironically, if a new business works with the community, they are far more likely to be successful. The only ‘battle’ I’m aware of is against any business that shows no care for the wider community and breaks planning and trading regulation.
Sean
The shop has now had new signs installed, illuminated “Crystal Kebab”……