Local residents voice concern following late-night off licence being given green light
A new Londis convenience store will open in Chobham following planning approval
A Londis convenience store will soon open in Chobham on Windsor Road, despite opposition from residents concerned about increased crime and disruption.
The shop has been granted a licence by Surrey Heath Borough Council to sell alcohol from 8am to 10pm Mondays through Saturdays, and 10am to 9pm on Sundays.
Several residents opposed the application, fearing it would lead to traffic issues and disruptions to the largely residential area.
Concerns were also raised about the impact on nearby businesses and potential depreciation of home values.
Residents pointed to CCTV installations as a sign that crime could be an ongoing issue.
However, Surrey Police had no objections, with Paramjit Singh, the applicant, emphasising the absence of any breaches at his other two Londis stores in Woking and Staines.
Mr Singh's agent said: "He has successfully managed two Londis stores, one in Woking, the other Staines that both follow the licensing objectives with no breaches."
He added, "It’s going to be a family run business, a convenience store, not alcohol led."
Despite concerns from some residents, the licence was approved with conditions that include maintaining CCTV records of any incidents and a logbook of any attempted purchases by underage individuals.
The store will also adhere to a policy requiring anyone appearing under the age of 25 to provide ID.