New Staffordshire Co-op store granted alcohol licence despite objections from residents

The new Co-op store is currently under construction on land off Lichfield Road, in Stone, as part of a wider mixed-use development, and is set to open in the spring.

Licensing sub-committee members at Stafford Borough Council have now agreed to grant a premises licence, allowing the Co-op to sell alcohol between 7am and 10pm, seven days a week.

Two residents objected to the application, with one arguing that such ‘extensive hours’ for the sale of alcohol were not appropriate in a residential area. Concerns were also raised over noise, light pollution and litter.

Solicitor Kirsty Hughes, representing applicant Central England Co-operative, told the sub-committee that the company is a ‘reputable’ operator with around 270 stores across the region. She said there would be ‘significant’ CCTV, inside and outside the premises, and that the store would operate a ‘Challenge 25’ policy for alcohol sales.

Ms Hughes added that there would be daily litter patrols, and that the store’s lights would be turned off at the end of each day.

She said: “I can assure you that the licensing objectives are always paramount to Central Co-op. Their ethos is very much based on community. They have local community officers who will engage with the local community. They support the local community financially and with time. It is a member-run company.

“It is in no-one’s interest for them to cause any significant disruption to the local community. This is a suitable location for a reputable operator and a well-run venue.”

Ms Hughes said the store is currently expected to open to the public in May, although this could be subject to change.

The sub-committee agreed that the licensing objectives had been met in this case. Sub-committee chair Angela Loughran said: “We’ve looked at all the details put forward to us, and the representations made to us, and in the committee’s view we feel that there is no reason why we should not grant the application as requested.”

Outline planning permission for the Lichfield Road development was granted by the borough council in 2019. The scheme will consist of 21 affordable homes and four smaller retail units in addition to the Co-op.