Villagers are boycotting a new convenience store in a former pub amid claims the owner “misled” residents, the parish council and planning department.
But the owner of Yalding Supermarket and Mr Dan’s Takeaway, in Benover Road, Yalding, has assured locals that the business is “a work in progress” and not the final result.
The village shop and takeaway opened on April 4, following a six-month renovation project to transform The George pub.
A change of use application to turn the former public house into a Class E restaurant with retail and takeaway facilities was approved in August, despite splitting the opinion of villagers.
Since its opening Chris Staines from Yalding has shared his opposition, saying it has not opened as a restaurant and farm shop as promised, and the retail section of the store is bigger than the approved plans show.
However, store owner Dan Mahendran said: “Initially we opened only the retail part and some of the local community members were taken aback by it – but the plans are still to open the café and the takeaway – it is a work in progress.”
In the meantime, Dan has submitted a Section 73 application to get approval for the removal of the stairs and to create a separate entrance for the shop and café in order to create different shop and restaurant sections.
Dan’s wife Victoria said: “The way the shop is laid out now is to fill up the space until we can start the takeaway, but unfortunately some people took it as the final result – it’s going to change in the future.”
Another resident, Paul Revell, says he is boycotting the convenience store because it poses a threat to the existing shop, Orchard View Stores.
The 70-year-old said: “I haven’t used the new shop and I don’t intend to.
“It’s contravening its planning application for a farm shop, cafe and licences area, and is a total threat to the existing Orchard View Stores.”
In response to these claims, Dan, from Thurrock said: “Yalding is quite a large village, there is enough residents for all businesses to thrive – we are not here to compete with anyone.”
“Our goal was never to compete with the other shop, it was more to give the local community an extra option,” Victoria added.
But those who oppose the business believe it is contravening its planning application because the size of the shop is far larger than the approved floor plan shows.
Villager Chris added: “When the place opened, it was not a restaurant with part retail ancillary takeaway, but a mini supermarket with minimal local foods and plans for a garish fish and chips, pizza, kebab takeaway.
“A takeaway without a restaurant is in a different planning class to the planning permission granted.
“Many people are disappointed that he has misled them, the parish council and the planning department by claiming to intend to open a restaurant and farm shop but instead opening a mini supermarket next door to the established village convenience store.
“The planning permission originally granted was issued based on a number of factors which would have included his intention for the building as a restaurant and farm shop, this would have been a good additional asset for the village if the pub was not viable.
“However, it looks like he applied for something he never intended to do just so he could get a change of use to Class E.”
Dan and Victoria insist the plans to open the restaurant and takeaway are under way. They are urging those who want the restaurant open to support the latest planning application online as they say it will help speed up the process.
In the new application, which is yet to be determined, it states “the stairs are no longer required so their removal provides more flexibility in design”.
Maidstone borough council says while it is investigating claims the shop is in breach of planning permission, it noted a Section 73 application – which allows applications to be made without complying with previously imposed conditions of the planning permission – needs to be determined.
Meanwhile, others have hit back at those not supporting the new business.
David Kingsman, from Laddingford, says he “can’t understand why people in the village are being so horrible to them”.
The 58-year-old said: “A lot of us were looking forward to having a fish and chip shop in the village but you can’t really blame the guy from holding back after the reception he has received.”
David says the staff are very nice and say he is “happy with the new store”.
Back in April, the Yalding Supermarket owner said the business would be a “good shop with good customer service and a wide range of products”.
Opinions are also divided online. Many residents have taken to social media to encourage locals to boycott the existing shop while others have shared their support for the new store.
One person wrote: “When will you lot learn to boycott the new shop and support the one that’s been there years.”
“I have just visited the new Yalding Supermarket – what a wonderful experience and so good for our village,” another posted.
The latest application has currently received four comments from neighbours objecting, and two in support.
Dan said: “I would like to thank all of the community members who are coming to the store and supporting us, there are a lot of customers who live locally that welcome a store which is providing for their needs and has a variety of stock.
“The plans still are that its going be a shop and a restaurant, with a takeaway as well.
“We are just waiting for the application to be approved to change the layout.”
Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.
The application number is 23/502781 and is due to be determined on July 10.