Alex fears lack of a sign for boutique is costing her business (From Knutsford Guardian)

Alex fears lack of a sign for boutique is costing her business

11:30am Friday 26th October 2012 in News By James Wilson

A NEW business owner in the heart of Knutsford has said she is losing money after council planners knocked back her application on three occasions to put a sign up outside her shop.

Alex Macleod, a former chartered accountant, opened the Pudding Club, a boutique specialising in maternity wear, in July.

She told the Guardian that she has struggled to gain planning permission for two signs at the front of her shop – despite nearby shops having identical signs.

She said she had spoken to three planning officers at Cheshire East Council, who all told her that the signs did not fit in with the authority’s planning regulations.

“I just want a sign for my shop,” she said.

“I’m worried that I’m losing business and I have given the council enough time, despite paying £500 in business rates.

“I’m losing money as people can’t find us on the street.”

The front of Alex’s shop is currently blank.

A spokesman for Cheshire East Council said: “We do everything we can to encourage and support new businesses across Cheshire East.

“In this particular case, the applicant has not provided the necessary documentation on a number of occasions, which has led to the decision being delayed.

“The planning officer now has the necessary documentation and we are confident a decision will be made later this week.”