Owner spends thousands transforming his shop - only to be told to change it back to exactly how it was

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A businessman is going to battle with his own council over a difference of opinion regarding his shop front. The owner of Peeco Ltd, a window and door showroom in Middleton, says that he has been harshly treated after Rochdale Council refused planning permission for his new shop front.

Chris Daly’s dream new showroom for his business has turned into a nightmare after he spent thousands of pounds transforming the Manchester New Road shop - only to be told by the council to change it back to how it was.

This is because he did not apply for planning permission initially for the change, and was later refused retrospective permission. Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link In their letter of refusal, the council said: “The existing stall riser and inset front entrance would be unduly harmful to the character and appearance of the building and the surrounding street scene.” The 41-year-old believes the new shop look is actually more visually appealing without the shutters and says he has even received compliments from neighbours since it opened in August. “We are only a small business and we are trying to grow,” the father-of-two said. “I’ve tried to keep it in character with the building. “People are saying it is in keeping with the heritage of the building as well.

The people living over the road said they are over the moon with what we’ve done. “(When I was told the decision) I was like, ‘what do I do now’, I was thinking, is this it, and where do I find the money to put it back? “Small businesses are struggling, I’m worried about having to close it down after spending all this money.” Chris said he is going to appeal the council’s decision but that the saga has come at the cost