A SHOP at the centre of a planning row has seen its appeal to the borough council dismissed after it carried out unauthorised work.

Owners of 1-2 Downsland Road lodged an appeal after seeing its application to make a number of adaptations including rear extensions – which it started work on without the correct permission – refused in October.

Initially the shop had hoped it would be allowed to erect single-storey side and rear extensions and a replacement shop front, display one externally illuminated fascia sign, and install an ATM and an internally illuminated ATM sign.

After a site visit on April 25, a Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) inspector announced on May 23 that three of the adaptations had been refused – but it was allowed to retain its ATM.

In a report, Patrick Whelan found “that the appeal proposal would harm the character and the appearance of the host building and the character and the appearance of the Brookvale West Conservation Area.”

He added: “Notwithstanding this, the proposal would have a presence in the street scene and would be conspicuous as a part of the main building.

“In this context, and given the design of the Parade, it would bear no relation to the distinctive architecture of the building.”

The Gazette revealed in June last year the shop had incorrectly been operating the Costcutter brand and was forced to change its name.

The appeal, submitted by property developers Bell Cornwell on behalf of owners Mr Khaneja and Mr Madhan in February, said: “The statement has demonstrated how the shopfront’s style and colour have been sympathetically considered to replicate other shopfronts in the parade whilst preserving the character of the building.”

Brookvale and Kings Furlong councillor, Cllr Michael Westbrook welcomed the decision.

Cllr Westbrook said: “Being a strong support of local businesses it’s always difficult for me to criticise when shopkeepers are trying to make improvements to develop their premises.

“However I believe in this case the applicant had fair warning and advice before going ahead and installing this shopfront in a conservation area without planning permission.

“Other shopkeepers in the parade had raised concerns as they have for many years been required to follow the rules, as have the many residents living within the Conservation Area.”

He added: “I now hope that following this decision the owners, with advice from council officers, can agree on a design for a replacement.”