Latest news with #villagecommunity
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Hundreds back village shop in dispute over 'character'
Hundreds of people have backed a village shop after the owners were ordered to remove a new wheelchair-accessible and Ajantha Kokulakumar failed to seek planning permission for the work at the store and post office in Roos, East from East Riding of Yorkshire Council argued the alterations created a "characterless frontage" and harmed the appearance of the surrounding conservation than 400 people have signed a petition urging the authority to allow the door to remain in place after the Kokulakumars said reversing the changes would be financially ruinous. The Kokulakumars took over store in July 2024 and closed it for two months to carry out renovations. They boarded up the original doorway and knocked out a window to install a larger entrance, wheelchair ramp and security they reopened in September, they received a letter from the council ordering them to submit a retrospective planning application – which was later couple appealed, but this was turned down by the planning inspectorate earlier this month. Mrs Kokulakumar said she was worried about what might happen next. But she added: "Most of the customers are supporting us. We are right to help the older people – that's why we have done this."She admitted they made a mistake by not seeking permission, but said they made the changes for the benefit of the the new door and reinstating the old one would force them to move their service counter and rearrange and refit the entire Coffin, who lives in the village, said he thought the door should remain in place because it was "particularly good for disabled access". He suggested an artificial door could be used in place of the old boarded-up resident Ron Symes criticised the council's decision and added: "What's wrong with it? It's ideal for wheelchairs."In a statement, the council said the store played "a central role within the conservation area", but the works were "overtly modern".The use of "unsympathetic materials" had created "a prominent, unfamiliar and incongruous addition" to the the council said it would "be looking to work proactively with the applicant to address the unauthorised development and try to overcome the concerns raised".Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
The Sun
10-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
We live in UK's strictest village where takeaways are BANNED & doors are painted same colour.. but here's why we love it
RESIDENTS of a notorious UK village where takeaways are banned say they're happy to call it home. Dubbed Britain's strictest village, there are no supermarkets and locals must have their doors painted the same colour. 3 3 But villagers of Wentworth, South Yorkshire, say they're happy with the draconian rules which state their front door be a certain shade of green. They claim their home has become a idyllic English village as a result with a teashop, grocers, post office and country pub. But now they have claimed their very way of life is under threat with developers planning to create a luxury hotel and spa on their doorstep. This could see trendy hotels and clubs replace buildings where generations of farmers once worked, including the world famous Annabel's in London Mayfair. The locals state, however, that while happy with the strict rules, they must gain permission from the 'village trust' before they go ahead with improvements. Resident Mary Pearson said the plans were "very disturbing" and told her local parish council that she hadn't been consulted on the plans. Talking to the Mail, she said: "I was once washing pots at the kitchen sink and saw a tape measure going across the kitchen window. "Let's just say we are facing an uncertain future if the plans do go ahead." Mary's family have been farmers on the estate since the 1950s. Another lady in the village sympathised with the family that runs the farm. She added: "I suppose it will bring more people to the village, but at what cost?" Others were more optimistic about an increased footfall in the area which would help local businesses. But concerns have also been raised over the level of traffic the new development would bring to the picture post-card village. Many have also raised objections to the new plans on the council's website. The new plans include holiday cottages and a hotel with a spa, swimming pool and restaurant. Councillor Brendan J McNamara, Chair of Wentworth Parish Council, said: "At a recent Parish council meeting, which was held on the 28th April, a decision was made for the parish council to consider expert advice. "'Following on from that, an informal meeting took place on the 1st May between three Parish councillors and three members of the public, where the Parish Councillors confirmed that Parish Council were considering seeking specialist advice. The parish council will continue to work with the Fitzwilliam Estate and the community." The local authority have been contacted for comment.
