A new corner shop proposed for Middlewich will be able to sell alcohol despite objections from some local residents.

Middlewich Food and Wine has been granted a premises licence for the shop at 81-81A Lewin Street.

Cheshire East's licensing sub-committee was told nine residents had originally objected to the application, but only two indicated they wished to continue with their objections after the applicant amended the proposed opening hours,

Concerns raised by the two objectors who attended the hearing on October 22, related mainly to issues around customer parking, deliveries to the shop, traffic and highways safety.

Glynn Cross, representing applicant Shankar Uthaya, told the hearing: "The applicant agreed to a reduction of the operating hours from 7am until midnight every day, to 8am until 10pm every day.

"These changes to the application were sent out to all nine residents who made representations against the application, and only two objectors responded and stated they wished to proceed with their objections.

"Most of the objections mention possible traffic and parking issues that may be exasperated should the premises licence be granted.

"However, these matters are not something that the licensing authorities should consider…

"Other issues highlighted by the residents refer to the potential increase in anti-social behaviour, littering, increasing noise. and the inevitability of street drinking.

"However, there is no evidence that opening a corner shop convenience store, will contribute to an increase in these problems."

Mr Cross stressed the shop will primarily sell and stock a variety of goods, food, and groceries, and the sale of alcohol will be ancillary to the main purpose.

"The premises will not be a drinking establishment," he said.

The committee was told by the applicant the proposed 8am to 10pm hours would apply to the shop opening times as well as the alcohol licence.

The licence was granted permitting the supply of alcohol between 8am and 10pm, Monday to Sunday.

The applicant must operate a Challenge 25 age-verification policy and install CCTV covering inside and the immediate external area.

The shop must also display clear notices regarding noise and littering.

The decision was published this week.

Would you like to know more about Sandbach?

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Sandbach Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

Please consider following Sandbach Nub News on Facebook or X (Twitter)

We also have a weekly newsletter with the TOP FIVE stories of the week - sign up here