Plans to turn an old stable building on Woodhouse Lane into a vape shop have been recommended for approval by Biddulph Town Councillors, subject to a range of conditions.

The recommendation was made last night (Tuesday) at a meeting of the council's Planning Committee, and after nine local residents submitted letters objecting to the plans.

Biddulph Nub News reported previously how application was submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council on 15th July, and describes a "change of use of existing redundant stable block to retail shop and store and associated development".

The applicants, David and Catherine Tellwright, run the E-cigs shop on Mill Street in Congleton, but were left looking for alternatives due to the Coronavirus pandemic, with Mill Street's layout making the running of the shop difficult with social distancing measures in place.

Local residents objected to the application for several reasons, including the feelings that Woodhouse Lane was too dangerous for a retail shop, there was a lack of pedestrian access in the area, and that the development would have an adverse visual impact on the Green Belt.

At last night's meeting, town councillors said they wanted to echo the concerns of residents, but recommended the application for approval after deciding that their ruling should be kept to a specific set of planning reasons only.

Introducing the discussion, Cllr David Hawley, who chairs the Planning Committee, said: "The locals definitely aren't happy about it, but would there be the same concern if it wasn't a vaping shop?"

Biddulph's Mayor, Cllr John Jones, said: "This has ruffled a lot of feathers, but as long as Highways are happy with it, then I can't see a valid planning reason to object to it.

"There is already substantial parking with wide access, and I think we should be encouraging new businesses.

"It's a vape shop, and I know some people don't like that, but it shouldn't matter what shop it is as long as it's legal.

"If it was a farm shop I don't think this would've caused such a stir - I think we have to keep our ruling to planning matters only."

However, Cllr Wayne Rogers abstained from the vote due to his concerns about the health impacts of vaping.

He said: "I condone local businesses, but I don't like this. Vaping is unhealthy, and for that reason I am going to have to abstain because I can't say yes to it."

Cllr Jim Garvey added: "I have a number of concerns. The vaping aspect will be emotive, but my main issue is with putting the business in that area.

"I'm surprised Highways haven't objected to it, because I'm concerned about putting a retail premises on that road."

While Cllr Nigel Yates also raised highways concerns, saying: "I'm amazed that Highways have said this application is fine.

"Woodhouse Lane is notorious for bad driving, and this seems like an accident waiting to happen.

"I also have an issue with the long-term sustainability of this. It could be a fad, and disappear in 20 years, but we can't pull away from approving it just based on that.

"It is in the Green Belt, so I think we should propose reasonable conditions taking this into account."

Councillors recommended the application for approval, subject to restrictions being placed on the plans due to its Green Belt location, as well as echoing the concerns of residents and proposing reasonable lights, signage, and hours of business for the shop.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's planning officers will have the final say on the application, although a date for this decision has not yet been announced.