Home   Sittingbourne   News   Article

Town off-licence gets the nod

Residents who opposed the application for 230 Park Road to be turned into an off licence. L-R Roger Shank, Sally Ann Large (back middle) Jean Philby
Residents who opposed the application for 230 Park Road to be turned into an off licence. L-R Roger Shank, Sally Ann Large (back middle) Jean Philby

by Hayley Robinson

Plans to open an off-licence in a row of terraced houses has been approved despite opposition.

Nine residents objected to the application to sell alcohol from 7am to 11pm, seven days a week at 230 Park Road, Sittingbourne.

Those living in the area believe it will lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour as people congregate outside the shop late and consume the goods they have bought.

Other concerns include litter and parking problems, an increase in traffic in the area, security issues and the competition it will create for the two pubs at either end of the road – The Gore Court Arms and the Park Tavern.

Sally-Ann Large, who lives next door with her 21-month-old twins, said: “There are young families that live along here.

“My concern is you’re going to get the drunks coming out of the pub to buy more alcohol and take it down the alleyway [at the side of the shop] which is a rear access for about four houses, including mine.”

One letter submitted to the council said: “Parking is a problem already in the evenings and weekends and this shop would make the situation worse.”

Another person wrote: “This will affect the re-sale of my property should I wish to sell in the future.”

Questions were also raised about whether or not it was needed as there is already an off-licence in Chaucer Road.

Ch Insp Tony Henley urged Swale council’s licensing sub-committee not to grant permission until certain conditions had been complied with by the designated premises supervisor.

They include the installation of CCTV, a refusal incident book being established, the adoption of the Challenge 21 scheme and them becoming a member of the Swale Safe radio system.

The applicant Vijaya Sivaraman intends to be the designated premises supervisor. His personal licence application is currently pending with Medway council.

But members approved the proposal for the vacant business premises when they met at Swale House, East Street, last Tuesday#May 15.

Mrs Large added: “There’s lots of residents very unhappy about it.”

A Swale council spokesman said: “Members chose to grant the licence as applied for but with conditions. Only certain things can be considered under the Licensing Act and things such as parking and litter are not one of them.

“It is hoped that the police conditions will help alleviate resident concerns and if not the licence can be reviewed if problems arise.”

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More