24-hour off licence bid for new Oldbury shop to be scrutinised by councillors
A move to open a 24-hour off-licence in a former vet’s will be scrutinised by councillors following objections from neighbours.
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The application by supermarket chain Londis for its proposed new store in Hagley Road West, Oldbury, includes plans for a 24-hour alcohol licence. Sandwell councillors will now scrutinise the move over fears it will cause problems for neighbours.
The plan for the former vets and PDSA charity shop has attracted concern that the bid would bring trouble and anti-social behaviour to the largely residential area.
Sandwell Council’s public health department also said it “strongly opposed” the 24-hour move because it would undermine its work to reduce alcohol-related harm in the borough, the level of which already raises “serious concerns.”
“Allowing 24-hour alcohol sales at the premises could further exacerbate physical and emotional harm to individuals and negatively impact the surrounding communities,” public health said.
Rejecting the move would “safeguard public health, uphold licensing objectives, and reduce alcohol-related harm across Sandwell,” the objection added.
A petition against the plan with nearly 150 signatures was also submitted to Sandwell Council.
Residents also said the neighbourhood was already well served with off licences with the Premier shop in Stanley Road, immediately next door to the proposed Londis, and Booze Stop around 300 metres away along Hagley Road West.
In an objection to the application, Cllr Chipiliro Kalebe-Nyamongo, who represents the Old Warley ward, said the proposed 24-hour shop would attract people from “far and wide” – including those from the nearby M5 – and would be “inappropriate” in the residential area.
“It will lead to increased noise for residents, increased traffic, potential disorderly behaviour and safeguarding for the residents if people are hanging around at all hours,” she said in the objection.
Another objector said: “There are numerous outlets within the area that have drinks licences. “The extended hours of this application will cause disruption to the local area and residents
“There is very little parking, which is a challenge to the businesses that are already there. Due to the nature of the opening hours, this will extend the nuisance to residents considerably.”
Animal charity PDSA moved its veterinary hospital to a new £1.8million site in St Matthew’s Road, Oldbury, in 2015.
The Hagley Road West building was later used as the charity’s donation centre before closing in 2020.
The application will be discussed by Sandwell Council’s licensing committee at a meeting on April 29.
