A woman who has raised over £27,000 for charity by selling second hand goods from her Holbeach home has been told she can continue to do so.
Ann Gregory will be able to sell from her Boston Road South property from 10am to 4pm three days a week (excluding bank holidays and Sundays) after South Holland District Council’s Planning Committee voted to grant her a ‘lawful use certificate’ last night (Thursday).
It followed a complaint from a member of the public that she needed change of use planning permission due to her selling goods to raise funds for Jerry Green Dog Rescue over the last few years.
But officers recommended she didn’t and could continue with the certificate.
Speaking on Mrs Gregory’s behalf, Coun Tracey Carter said: “It raises funds for an amazing cause which in the current climate is much needed and reduces waste by selling second hand items for people to enjoy at very low prices. This is helping families at a time when the cost of living is extremely high.
“People have told me Mrs Gregory can sometimes be the only person they speak to in a day, social interaction being the key to a healthy mind and wellbeing.
“To me, the report is clear; it does not constitute a material change in the officer’s view.
“It would appear to create no significant adverse impact on the neighbouring dwelling. Having visited the establishment myself I can confirm all items are kept neat and tidy within the ground and located predominantly on the car port.
“There’s little or no risk the conditions will ever be contravened.”
A number of pictures were shown to the committee of parking on the road outside Mrs Gregory’s property, though the meeting was told they were mostly taken when Boston Road South was closed and one, Coun Tracey Carter said, included the vehicle of another unnamed councillor who had visited Mrs Gregory when she wasn’t selling to talk about the application.
“That’s a perfect example of the photos being mis-leading,” Coun Carter said. “I think it’s fair to say a number of the pictures were taken when this came to public attention as so many people were so unhappy about the initial complaint.
“That complaint increased the number of visitors for a short period as people came to the house to offer support.
“Things have settled, the road is now open, and from what I’ve seen there’s no issues or concern in relation to the parking.
“Although disappointed this situation has occurred I now see it as a duty and a matter of common sense that the recommendation for a certificate is supported so this lady can return to selling a small number of items for an amazing cause, safely and comfortably without fear of accusation or worry,.”
Highways officers raised no objections and stated that even though some cars were pictured on markings around the school, none pictured contravened traffic regulation orders.
Not all councillors agreed with the planning officers.
Coun Christine Lawton said: “I can’t see how it’s not a material change of use. That’s a private driveway and house, not for the sale of goods.
“I recall in Gosberton some time ago we stopped a man selling fruit and veg on his front garden, and I don’t see any reason why this is different.”
It was also asked if others selling goods from driveways might have to apply for lawful use certificates.
Planning chair Coun James Avery said “This has come before us as a specific set of circumstances and we won’t go out looking for people that are selling things through their front door.
“In my mind there’s little difference between this and a private resident holding a car boot sale.”
Coun Henry Bingham said: “Looking at the detailed report it seems like this is a lot of work for something that’s common throughout the entire district and this applicant has become regulated by the law certificate.
“If anything the certificate will regulate the activity that nobody else seems to have.”
The vote went though 11 votes to 2.
Ann said: “I’m delighted and relieved. I can’t thank everyone who has helped me enough.”
