Unlicensed and the house above it is no longer at risk of being bulldozed for new flats after plans were rejected

Plans to bulldoze a permit and the house above it to make way for new flats in east London were unanimously rejected by councilors last night (May 29). The claimant, Monce Vamadevan submitted plans to Newham Council which, if approved, would see the demolition of Thiriza Off License and the residential house above it at 142 New City Road so that a two-storey building could be built in its place .

Four one-bed and two-bed flats would be built, but it was not planned to replace the family-sized house that currently exists above the shop in Plaistow. The plans have not gone unnoticed by local residents, with 31 objections to the public consultation, while a petition was submitted to the council with 800 signatures from people who mainly live in Newham.

According to council documents, only one resident supported the plans. During the public consultation, residents supported the shop and feared the shop owner could lose his livelihood if the plans went ahead.

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They also said the area did not need more apartments and would contribute to “urban gentrification”. Meanwhile, a second change.org petition called “Save our corner store from demolition” has received 742 signatures from online supporters. The online petition read in part: “This will have a devastating impact on the owner and his family who will lose the livelihood they have worked so hard to build over 20 years.

“This will have an impact on us as a community because we will lose a key part of our everyday life.” The petition went on to warn that “the deep sense of community will be lost” if the store is demolished to make way for the development. During a meeting with the council’s local development committee on Wednesday night, a planning officer explained that a number of objections from the public did not relate to material planning considerations, including the loss of a retail store.

“Excessive design, bulky and had an awkward roof design”

However, planning officers have recommended that the plans be refused on other grounds, including that it would result in the loss of a family-sized home, which the council is desperate to protect. Officers also said the design of the two-story building was excessive, bulky and had an awkward roof design.

The meeting then turned to questions, although the committee had none. When it came to a vote, the commission voted unanimously to reject the plans, meaning the development will not go ahead. Cllr James Beckles, who chaired the meeting, said: “…It is a shame that the applicant was unable to attend and did not comply with a number of different council policies. If they were present today, members would have a number of questions about why they were not found to be sufficient.”

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