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Search the Public Notice PortalAn estate struggling with rising problems caused by alcohol-fuelled disorder has failed in its battle stop a new shop from being able to sell alcohol.
Hundreds of people signed a petition opposing the new One Stop shop from opening in Fairstead, King's Lynn.
People living in the tight-knit community warned the area was already struggling with addiction issues and feared more alcohol availability could fuel further antisocial behaviour and health problems.
The issues have got so bad they say the area has become known as "Crimestead" by those who live there.
Machete attacks, fights in the street, abuse from intoxicated individuals and groups drinking throughout the night in children's play parks are among the accounts of recent incidents.
Locals are particularly frustrated that the shop will open in a former GP surgery, which shut suddenly three years ago, much to the dismay of those living there.
READ MORE: 'Welcome to Crimestead'... neighbourhood battles against alcohol-fuelled disorder
But after councillors met last week to decide its fate, members of the licensing committee have approved the application following days of deliberation.
The new One Stop is located in a square where a number of other businesses, including a Morrisons convenience store and a community centre, currently operate.
Three schools, including a primary and a special educational needs school, are located close by.
People living in the area have complained of antisocial behaviour related to people drinking alcohol regularly in this area and at nearby parks.
They worried having more places to purchase alcohol in close proximity could fuel further problems.
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In a decision notice, the committee said it had taken into account the concerns raised about potential public nuisance and the close proximity to several schools.
But members ruled the new premises would not necessarily increase the number of people buying alcohol.
They also stated that a lack of "need" could not be used as a relevant factor on which to base a decision.
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It also emerged at the meeting that the shop would primarily be focused on serving the local community as a convenience store rather than emphasising the sale of alcohol.
However, the committee has limited the times that alcohol can be sold from the shop to the hours of 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday.
Restrictions related to the advertisement of alcohol in the shop have also been agreed.
Following the decision, local councillors have voiced their frustrations.
Rob Colwell, a Liberal Democrat county councillor for the area, said: "I am very disappointed. I hope children aren’t exposed to lewd and drunken behaviour now that parents can’t choose to avoid a shop selling alcohol as they can elect to do so now."
Steve Everett, a Labour councillor for Fairstead, added: "This is a disappointing decision. Fairstead is lacking a community hub to be a focal point for health, social provisions and community engagement.
"It is imperative that the council is giving support to local businesses like the Community Shop which does such impactful work.
"They need to make sure they can thrive despite an absence of common sense prevailing, and Fairstead being crowded by profit-based convenience that isn't needed or wanted."
While there has been significant backlash, the applicant for the One Stop has said the store will boost the local economy and create nine jobs in an area already facing low employment rates.
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