Running a retail shop from garage AIBU to complain

[LikeothersIamjustme]

Neighbour on road has just set up a shop from their garage selling house decor, furniture etc. There is a sandwich board advertising on the footpath. Advertising on FB as retail, come and visit etc. There is no parking for visitors other than the road/footpath. No PP for change of use. Open 7 days a week. I think they should have permission and pay businesss rates. Thoughts please!!

You're right they should not be trading unless they have PP for change of use and pay business rates. Notify local council and specify the nuisance caused to residents

When   I did this  (same situation, neighbour started illegally  using his home garage for commercial  business  which affected local residents)  the council pulled the plug instantly.

Report it, we used to live next to someone who had a home business it of their purpose built extension for it.
We were forever taking in huge parcels for them daily, and they’d have huge lorries deliver and be banging around every weekend morning. I’m sure they thought it was fine, but added to the reason we moved.

@Quaagars

How do you know they haven't already got permission? Or are you just presuming?

Because legally required application for a change of use planning permit should have been notified to immediate neighbours AND advertised in local press, inviting any objections.

I'd ignore unless causing me a problem tbh. If there are customers parking badly and obstructing access, for example.

I would have no hesitation about reporting this, tbh.

@BarbaraofSeville

Would all the people telling the OP to get a life be happy if one of their own neighbours started to do this and they couldn't use the footpath and park outside their own house due to customers?

this. some people are arseholes these would be the first types to whinge, it's hardly fair on legit businesses that are struggling. is it new stuff they sell or 'we having a clear out'

Any chance it's a pop up shop?

I think there's different rules for that - but I'm not sure

I was going to do one near Christmas in my living room/garden as a pop up for a weekend (local artists type thing) and I called the council and they said it was fine

@beefthief

Don't be a grass for the sake of it. Wait until they actually cause a problem.

That's a great idea, if you see someone doing something wrong you should never intervene until the actual harm has been done.

Know someone is drink-driving without insurance? Don't report them, wait until they've crashed into a queue of people. Suspect a neighbour is beating their wife? Wait until she's hospitalised before acting.

That would annoy me. Parking is tight on most roads these days, some houses have multiple vehicles and there isn’t enough spaces to go round.

If they were making custom items and it was the odd customer picking something up it might not be too bad but it’s a bit much to start a retail business with people coming to browse and expect the neighbours not to mind. I would see if it was causing a problem for you and the other residents then report if so.

How about you go and talk to them to discuss your concerns? You know like an adult???

It's 'vintage' (for that read old but expensive) plus flowers at £20 a bunch!. Sourced specifically, not selling their old tat to make a few quid.
They had a shop at a local farm with a coffee shop and retail outlets but appear to have decided why pay rent and rates when you can clutter up the pavement with your signage and customers.

Why wouldn't you report it? If they are legitimate, which is unlikely, there won't be any consequence to them.

Otherwise why should some people think they are so special common rules don't apply to them? I am guessing some posters don't bother with tax or similar if they really don't care....

Report it. Not fair to have extra traffic, etc, might impact your insurance. As pp said, planning laws are there for a reason.

We have a covenant in our house deeds that states we are not allowed to operate a business from our garage - it’s a small estate of

Change of use from residential to commercial is not just a formality, there are zones etc and this kind of thing can have a real impact on neighbourhoods. Blocking pavements, for example, is really unfair on anyone with mobility issues, pram, wheelchair, etc.

@JudgeRindersMinder

Ordinarily I’d say to report but with the hit businesses are taking just now with Covid...

Most retail shops aren't having to pay business rates at the moment due to COVID.

But that doesn't mean people can set up illegal businesses without the correct permission or insurance. If there was a fire, they'd find they weren't insured and it could cause a whole heap of problems.

For them, there's also the question of insurance and any mortgage on the property, both of which were likely arranged on the basis of it being private rather than business premises

They probably have permission.

Old tat having a clear out I would live and let live otherwise I would call the council to check their permissions.

what are yougoing to do op ?

@seayork2020

If there is an actual problem happening yes otherwise no

You mean like dodging tax?

Absolutely report it!!

Thanks. Will give the council a call. Its a pretty busy (but narrow) road and a conservation area so cant see the council being supportive.

Normally I'd say report it but as businesses are suffering at the moment I'd probably wait six months, give them a chance to get back on their feet as I assume they're struggling.

I can’t see how a retail business next door wouldn’t cause problems! Noise, deliveries, parking, excessive number of people coming and going etc.....Unless is a really small business with only one or two customers per day.