A mother and daughter who sank their savings into an estate agents business have been given nine months to quit the premises because they have fallen foul of planning regulations.

Kelly Shaw was in tears last night as Tendring councillors rejected plans for the change of use for the building in High Street, Clacton.

Miss Shaw and her mother have already started operating Shaw Homes Estate Agents, which was previously a shop selling items for babies, and they had signed a five-year lease.

But planning officer Peter Le Grys said the site was in an area of the town centre which was protected for retail use and the agency went against the council's policies.

Miss Shaw claimed she had telephoned the council's planning department and been told she would not need to apply for a change of use.

However, later correspondance revealed she did need to and she submitted her retrospective application.

"There is just myself and my mum and we have put a lot of savings into this business," said Miss Shaw.

"We are experienced estate agents and we have given up our jobs elsewhere."

Mr Le Grys said it was important the council maintained its policy.

Mr Le Grys said estate agents were permitted in Station Road, Old Road and other streets in the town.

Some councillors tried to vote against the policy as they felt the Shaw's should be encouraged in their venture and feared it would lead to an empty shop or another charity shop in the centre.

However, they eventually refused the application and agreed to take enforcement action to halt the use of the building as an estate agents.

Published Thursday, April 24, 2003

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