New Lancing One Stop store given the go ahead

A new convenience store is set to open in a former Lancing car showroom.

The proposed One Stop branch at 135-137 South Street has now been granted a licence to open and sell alcohol between 7am and 11pm, seven days a week.

The decision was made by Adur District Council’s licensing committee following a meeting on 12 August.

The committee said: “Together with the amended hours that were offered by the applicant and the additional conditions agreed with Sussex Police the licensing objectives will continue to be promoted and not be undermined.”

TKS Mini Market Ltd., which will operate the store, originally applied for a licence between 7am and midnight but have now agreed to close at 11pm ‘because of residents’ concerns’.

Eight residents expressed concerns over the plans which were mainly about parking and long opening hours.

During the committee meeting earlier this month, one resident claimed that ‘altercations’ take place late at night in the area and they felt a convenience store with late opening hours and alcohol sales could increase disturbance.

Another resident, who lives opposite the proposed store, said that ‘all other shops are closed at this time’ and asked for the opening hours to be reduced. Council officers confirmed that local convenience stores, including Mulberrys in Crabtree Lane, were licensed to open later but choose not to.

Sussex Police asked the applicant to install CCTV and practice a ‘Challenge 25’ policy to ensure alcohol was sold legally and to prevent anti-social behaviour. This was agreed and the force withdrew any objection to the licence.

An agent for the applicant said he had ‘years of experience’ in the industry and runs a similar business in Bognor Regis.

She added:  “I hope that will give the residents some comfort that they have got someone who will trade responsibly on their own street.”