A MINI supermarket posing as a Costcutter has been rumbled after a resident complained it had not obtained planning permission to change the layout of the shop.

The ‘Costcutter’ shop in Downsland Road, Brookvale, has now been told it must have its signage changed and submit a planning application to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. 

Adam Wiles, who lives in Queens Road, notified The Gazette that major changes were happening to the shop that were not in keeping with the other shops in the road.

Mr Wiles said: “They removed the whole of the front and replaced it with just glass and it doesn’t look particularly nice when put next to the other shops.

“Many of these shops have been refused to even have double glazing put in, so for them to carry out these works without permission is bad.

“There are not many traditional older shops left in Basingstoke which makes this an even bigger shame because most shops just look like Tesco now.”

When The Gazette contacted Costcutter, a company that supplies various independently owned convenience stores and off-licenses across the UK with goods, the group was unaware of the site in Brookvale.

After investigating, it was found the store was not affiliated with Costcutter.
A spokeswoman for Costcutter said: “We can confirm that this store is not a member of Costcutter and appears to be trading using our name without our permission.

“We will be taking the necessary action to have the signage changed and our name removed to avoid any further confusion for customers.”

Head of planning and infrastructure at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Matthew Evans said: “This matter has been reported to us and our officers have visited the store and met with the occupier to provide advice and guidance. 

“As a result, we expect to receive a planning application in the next few days which will be determined in line with planning regulations.”

The Gazette has attempted to contact the shop, but has been unable to talk to anyone there. 

The shop has now removed its Costcutter sign.