After a prolonged struggle with the council, a shop owner gains community support and witnesses an unexpected council retraction.
- Chris Daly revamped his shop without planning approval, prompting a council rejection for retrospective permission.
- Despite the denial, local support remained strong, urging Mr Daly to pursue appeals against the council’s decision.
- Facing potential financial strain, the shopkeeper considered legal action and relocation.
- In an unexpected move, the council reversed their decision, providing relief to both the shop owner and his supporters.
Chris Daly, the owner of Peeco Ltd in Middleton, undertook a significant renovation of his shop at the end of 2023 without obtaining the necessary planning permission. In January, Mr Daly sought retrospective approval from Rochdale Council, which was initially denied. The council demanded the reinstatement of shutters and the restoration of the original indented entrance, decisions Mr Daly and local supporters viewed as excessive.
Compelled by the support from the community, Mr Daly lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate. Despite a setback as the appeal was dismissed, his commitment to maintain the new shopfront was evident. The financial implications of reverting the shop to its former state were severe, with estimates reaching £20,000. This sparked concerns about the business’s viability and even led Mr Daly to contemplate a costly judicial review or relocating to Cheshire.
In a surprising turn of events, Rochdale Council, led by Councillor Neil Emmott, reversed its decision, lifting a significant burden from the local businessman. Mr Daly expressed profound relief, stating the council’s reversal as a pivotal moment that rejuvenated his passion for his enterprise and life, allowing him to continue focusing on enhancing customer homes.
Councillor Emmott acknowledged that the new shopfront added aesthetic value to the streetscape and assured no further action would be taken against Mr Daly. He remarked the improvements were obvious enhancements, aligning with community sentiment. This decision not only spared Mr Daly from incurring further expenses but also reinforced local government and community dynamics.
The community’s unwavering support was significant, as Mr Daly noted, reflecting an ‘amazing feeling’ of unity. The resolution of this issue underscores the strength of community backing and its potential impact on local governance and business operations.
The conclusion of Chris Daly’s lengthy dispute with the council highlights the power of community support in influencing local government decisions.
