Atherstone florist thanks 'incredible' support of the community ahead of decision on planning application

An Atherstone florist has thanked the 'incredible' support of the community ahead of a council planning meeting next week.

Christopher Smith of 'Flowers by Chris' has thanked the Atherstone community as hundreds of local people and businesses have submitted comments in support of a planning application for his business, in the face of an objection raised by Atherstone Town Council. 312 Individuals have submitted their support for the plans.

On Monday's (April 12) planning meeting of North Warwickshire Borough Council (NWBC), officers will discuss a retrospective planning application for a fascia advertisement, and internal and external painting of the florists' premises at 65-67 Long Street.

Flowers by Chris, which has been run from 42 Long Street since 2016, has been instantly recognisable in the town for its black and cerise paint work.

When Chris took over the unit at 65-67 last year to expand his business, in what was clearly a troubling time for all retailers, he replicated his branding with the cerise and black paintwork.

However, he was later informed by NWBC officers that a retrospective planning application was needed for this following a complaint; the property is Grade II listed and within the town's conservation area.

Having realised his mistake, Chris submitted the application as requested, following guidance from borough council officers. This included changed plans for a wooden, rather than plastic, sign to be in keeping with other shop fronts.

A NWBC spokesperson said to Nub News: "Officers have worked closely with the applicant to ensure that the proposals for this Grade II Listed Building are appropriate. The planning officer's recommendation is for approval."

However, Atherstone Town Council is one of four individuals or bodies to raise objections to the application.

Whilst the Heritage Officer raised no objections, Atherstone Town Council has expressed "concern about the number of changes being made to premises along Long Street in advance of the appropriate permissions and that many of these changes are not in keeping with the heritage character of the town centre."

NWBC has made it clear that "The council has a statutory duty to give special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character and appearance of its conservation areas. In order to make such an assessment the board should understand the significance of the area in heritage terms and then consider whether the proposal would adversely harm that significance."

Speaking to Nub News Chris Smith said: "We haven't randomly painted the shop black and cerise. That is my brand, over nearly five years I have built that up, we have such a good reputation in the town and people know us for that brand, it is quite powerful really.

"The whole experience has been awful; it has stressed me out completely for the last six months."

Chris will be able to speak to councillors in advance of discussions at Monday's meeting, and he has been buoyed by the display of support from the local community ahead of this.

"I was surprised with how much support we have had, even the next day there were cars stopping in the street looking in, we've even had people knocking on the windows, looking in and putting their thumbs up.

"It has just been incredible really."

Full details of the planning documents can be found here by following this link.

A link to NWBC's YouTube channel where the meeting will be broadcast can be found here.