Middlesbrough post office’s ‘alcohol’ request rejected

The post office in question is located in the Viewley Centre shopping precinct where several other premises sell alcoho – a factor which saw members of the public oppose the Post Office’s request, ahead of the meeting. The applicant previously said it would install a “comprehensive” CCTV system to help with the prevention of crime and disorder.

Middlesbrough Council’s planning committee rejected the bid on February 12 to help prevent crime and disorder, public nuisance and to protect children from harm.

Factors that influenced the committee’s decision included deprivation statistics which consider Middlesbrough the second most deprived area in the country, while Hemlington ranks in the top 1% for deprivation, nationally, including for anti-social behaviour.

It was acknowledged at the committee meeting that there are a lower number of licensed premises compared to other wards, but the ones in Hemlington are concentrated in the Viewley Centre, with five premises selling alcohol, including a social club, a pub, two supermarkets and an off-licence – with one of the supermarkets requiring a security guard.

The committee was told that residents are “reluctant” to use the Viewley Centre or even pass through it, due to youths congregating and causing a “nuisance”, including “rowdy behaviour” and “throwing missiles”. The committee thought that the sale of alcohol at the Post Office would attract further crime-related problems.

While the applicant explained he is currently open until 5pm on weekdays and midday on Saturday, he wanted to expand his offering to keep the business “viable”, the decision notice outlined. However, the committee noted examples of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour towards staff and customers, even without alcohol being sold.

The committee had varying concerns, including not hearing enough detail ont how conditions agreed with police would be implemented. Additionally, risk of thefts was highlighted, as alcohol would be displayed “relatively” near the entrance, if approval was granted.

After considering all relevant information, the sub-committee rejected the application in the public interest. The right of appeal allows any “aggrieved” party to appeal to a magistrates court within three weeks of the decision being made known to the party in question.