A PLANNING complaint has been lodged by a businessman who fears for the future of local firms after a new charity shop opened in Grange-over-Sands.

Age UK opened on the old Toyota dealer's site at Station Square earlier this month selling new and donated goods including furniture, clothes, electrical items and mobility scooters.

The charity moved into the 8,072sq ft store after receiving a year-long lease from Booths, which was first granted planning permission for a new store in 2008.

That planning permission still stands and John O'Brien, head of Age UK South Lakeland, said legal advice sought before it opened suggested it could open using that consent.

But a formal complaint has now been sent to South Lakeland District Council's enforcement team by Steve Greaves, owner of the Scooter Market in Arnside.

"This is blatant disregard for Grange and the surrounding areas," he said. "Most of the shops are surviving off the ten per cent between what they make and what they pay.

"These shops are going to shut down if a business like this, without the necessary planning permission, is allowed to carry on operating.

"They get reductions on their business rates which would run into the thousands."

An SLDC spokesperson said a letter has now been sent to Age UK inviting it to submit an application for retail use.

He added: "We will now look at the case again after the 28 day period and make a formal assessment on how we will proceed."

Mr O'Brien told the Gazette a planning application was 'probably' going to be submitted, adding: "We are in the process of sorting it all out but as far as I am concerned everything was done correctly.

"I expected a bit of backlash from businesses but the amount of positive feedback we have been getting also is amazing.

"We do get 80 per cent off our business rates but we pay all our relevant taxes on our products."

Mr Greaves, who said he pays £11,750 a year in business rates, moved into his premises on Station Road three years ago.

He said he had to 'jump through hoops' to receive planning permission.

His concerns were relayed at the November meeting of Grange Town Council.

Its chairman Cllr Ron Shapland said the town clerk had written to SLDC asking for clarification on the matter.

Meanwhile, a supermarket spokesperson told the Gazette this week that the store had been leased until Booths is 'in a position to develop'.

She said: "Booths have recently opened five stores in 12 months, completing the most ambitious expansion plan in the history of the business.

"Booths are now reviewing their plans to further develop the business, but remain fully committed to opening a store in Grange."