Inspector rescues newsagent's shop

A PLAN to convert a newsagents’ shop to a takeaway has been thrown out by a Government-appointed inspector.
Warrington Borough Council refused permission for the change of use in Warrington Road, Penketh, earlier this year.
Now the inspector has rejected an appeal – on the grounds that the service provided by the existing newsagent is an asset to the local community and its loss would affect the viability of other local shops.
He notes that the main use of the area is residential, but that there is another takeaway, a petrol station and a supermarket.
While goods supplied at the supermarket and petrol station may include those provided by the newsagent, their main purpose is not that of a newsagent providing the role of a convenience store.
A borough council spokesman said the decision supported the council’s policy of preventing the loss of certain local services such as convenience stores, post offices or pharmacies.