Derby shop to close after Co-op ‘takes its custom away’

An off licence shop is set to close in a busy part of Derby partly due to low footfall and because a major supermarket chain “has taken custom away”.

Plans have been submitted to turn the Smileys shop on Duffield Road in the Five Lamps area into two residential apartments.

It is understood the shop has been running for more than 30 years.

However, a planning report submitted to Derby City Council says the building’s current use as an off-licence store has now become “unsustainable” in the Five Lamps area.

The application by Quarterdeck Investments Limited calls on the city council to grant permission to transform the family-owned shop into two new apartments and prevent it from becoming “dilapidated and an eye-sore in the area”.

A Design and Access Statement submitted as part of the planning application says the shop has struggled in recent times and said the arrival of a Co-op store at the petrol station has had a major effect on the shop.

This has meant the owners of the shop now wish to retire.

The Co-op petrol station shop has been in the Five Lamps area of Derby for at least two years.

It says: “The building’s current use as an off-licence grocery store and large family dwelling is unsustainable in this location.

“The store is a family-owned and operated business, with the owners wishing to retire due to the lack of footfall through the doors.

“The Co-op, operating out of the petrol station situated on the opposite side of the road has taken custom away from the store and therefore it is essential to find an alternative use for the space.”

The new apartments, if approved, will be “spacious, light and airy, promoting a healthy living environment”.

The report adds: “The proposed redevelopment will transform a suitable site into a viable use that will ensure the longevity of the building and prevent it from becoming empty, dilapidated and an eye-sore in the area.”

The shop owners declined to comment further when contacted.