18 hours ago
Council ‘kept me in the dark' over parking spaces shop owner claims
The owner of a Brierley Hill supermarket says Dudley Council planners left him in the dark in a row over parking spaces.
Asif Majid, from Brierley Wholesale Superstore, has been refused a change of use planning application because planners say he is not providing enough parking spaces at the site.
Mr Majid asked the council to remove conditions limiting the store to selling 'vintage retro collectables, antiques and local craft items' and operating a small tea room, which were linked to an approved planning application dating back to 2016.
The new application was thrown out because the store has eight parking spaces and the council required 24 spaces; however the council did approve a separate application for a change in opening times.
Mr Majid said: 'I have been left completely in the dark by the authority, their unwillingness to cooperate has completely baffled me.
'We have provided a store with continental grocery items as well as goods and foods from all corners of the world.
'Brierley Hill is a multi-cultural community and a store like this caters for all residents.'
The council deny Mr Majid's claim and say they were trying to assist him during an enquiry into whether he was operating without planning permission.
Councillor Phil Atkins, Dudley cabinet member for development and regulation, said: 'As part of a planning enforcement investigation, officers have worked with the applicant to try and resolve the matter.
'Both applications were assessed and determined in accordance with relevant policy and procedure as required by legislation.
'In terms of the refused application, the applicant can appeal this decision or submit a revised application with additional information to try and address the previous reasons for refusal.
'The council is currently reviewing its position on any further planning enforcement action.'
An appeal against the refusal has been made to the government's Planning Inspectorate.
Brierley Hill and Wordsley South councillor Matt Cook from Black Country Party is backing Mr Majid.
Cllr Cook said: 'What's most frustrating is that the council is insisting on planning conditions that simply don't reflect the reality of how this business operates.
'The majority of the store's customers are local residents who travel on foot.'
