Row continues over controversial 'mega' vape store's 'unacceptable' shopfront in popular Northampton village high street

In October, Sky Blue Vape Megastore opened at the former Perkin’s Florists shop on Main Road in Duston Village, causing outrage in the community.

The move caught the village by surprise, as the plans for the shop did not go through the council’s planning portal, which allows residents to object, because it is classified as retail for retail and therefore not a change of use.

At the time, Councillor Jan Ennis-Clark, Chair of Duston Parish Council, said: "Many people in Duston feel that the village centre is the wrong location for a vape shop. Residents are disappointed, as it is not in keeping with the character of the planning conservation area. They have contacted us to express their frustration over this."Residents are also concerned that the shop is on a route used by many local schoolchildren, who will pass it on a daily basis.

"Unfortunately, as the law currently stands, neither Duston Parish Council nor West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has the power to prevent shops like this from opening."

However, after opening, the business has submitted retrospective plans asking for planning permission to change the exterior of the building from a green shop front to its new black and white shopfront with white illuminated box signs.

In planning papers, the applicant, Ultimate Juice Ltd, said: “The former florist is now used as a shop for the sale of vapes and associated products. Vapes are a popular alternative to cigarettes enjoyed by millions of people in this country.

“The new look fits in with the varied appearance of the others. The new colour scheme may not be as demure as that of the former florist but is far more restrained than a number of other shop fronts in the same area. It also needs to compete for attention with the convenience store and the One Stop, both of which also sell vapes."

Following the submission of the retrospective application, Cllr Jan Ennis-Clark said: “A number of residents have contacted us about this. Duston Parish Council will be considering whether to submit a response to the application later this month. In the meantime, we would encourage residents to submit their own views directly.”

Reform councillor Vincent Clive has submitted an objection, saying: "I object on the basis that the location of 54 Main Road is within the Duston Conservation Area. The type of signage (internally illuminated) is not acceptable per WNC planning. The development is not in keeping with other businesses within the conservation area who do not have such signage, in compliance with the conservation area requirements. The applicant acknowledges in their conclusion that their store front has been designed so as to ‘not demure’ and to ‘compete’, contrary to the goal of the conservation area, which says every effort will be made to ensure any replacement shop fronts and adverts harmonise with the locality. Permitting this development would compromise the conservation area and set a precedent which other shops may seek to utilise to further erode the protections granted by the conservation area."

A decision now lies with Reform-led WNC. A target decision date has been set for February 6. The public has until December 4 to submit comments.