Businesses face closure after council approves Dagenham redevelopment
Papa's Peri Peri Grill and neighbouring Amatech Computers and a subletting hairdresser would be demolished under plans approved by Barking and Dagenham Council. - Credit: Archant
A takeaway and hairdressers face closure after a new development was granted approval.
Redevelopment at 732-734 Green Lane, Dagenham. Credit: Bahara Designs - Credit: Archant
Managers of three Dagenham businesses are fearing for their livelihoods after plans to demolish their shops to make way for a three-storey redevelopment were given the green light by the council earlier this month.
A planning document in support of the application – which would create four flats and two shops in Green Lane – states that a takeaway would not be considered “acceptable” for the Freetown Ltd development due to an “excess” in the area.
Salamat Ali, who runs Papa’s Peri Peri Grill Ltd, says he did not receive a letter about the prior consultation and is now worried about what the future holds.
“I bought a six-year lease just last year,” the 48-year-old said. “We belong here.
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“There are takeaways everywhere, how they can they get rid of us?”
The dad-of-four says there has been a takeaway on the same spot for 18 years. “There’s not a thought about what we will do,” he added.
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Next door, mobile store owner Ogbonna Edeh sublets half of his shop space to a hair salon.
Both tenants are concerned about whether they will be able to open shops in the new development.
“It’s really sad – it’s the only job I do,” said Ogbonna, who has run Amatech Computers for the past three years.
He moved his shop from Romford to expand and doesn’t know what will happen now.
“What can I do?” he asked. “I was starting to build all my customers up again and now I hear the news I’ll have to move.”
Caroline Fisayo, who opened Beauty Trendz salon just six months ago, said: “It’s a bit shocking that they’ve got planning permission.
“I’ve just got here, I don’t want to move again. I haven’t got any money, what will I do?”
A council spokeman admitted Mr Ali had not received a consultation letter due to a “computer error”.
He added: “The owner decided to demolish the current building and construct new retail units and flats.
“Following advice given by officers it was agreed that the re-provision of the hot food take-away would not be acceptable.”
Boota Nijjer, of Freetown Ltd, claimed that his tenants would enjoy “long-term security”, adding that he was “not sure” when work would start.
“We don’t have any immediate plans to demolish or rebuild it,” he told the Post.
Planning permission will expire in September 2021.
