Vape Shop Forced to Alter Storefront After Unauthorized Changes Trigger Public Complaints

  A UK vape shop was forced to alter its appearance after a public complaint. Red Power Shop installed unauthorized signage and interior storefront lighting when it moved earlier this year into a Grade II* listed building on Mews Street.

Latest news: According to Salisbury Journal, a UK vape shop was forced to alter its appearance after a public complaint. Red Power Shop installed unauthorized signage and interior storefront lighting when it moved earlier this year into a Grade II listed building on Mews Street.

After Wiltshire Council was made aware of the changes, a conservation officer was sent to investigate. The officer made it clear to the shop owner how the storefront needed to be modified to comply with planning guidelines.

The owner made the necessary storefront changes without formal enforcement action from the council.

Nick Botterill, a member of the Development Management and Strategic Planning Committee, said: “We are sending a clear message to anyone considering making changes to their storefront, home or other building in breach of planning regulations: don’t do it, because we will take firm action.”

Councillor Botterill explained that the council is prepared to use all available powers to prevent planning violations, including enforcement action and prosecution.

“This case is a great example of our officers working proactively with small businesses to resolve problems quickly. They had strong discussions with the shop owner about what was wrong and how to fix it, and the owner resolved the issue within the required time, avoiding any enforcement action,” he added.

Red Power Shop, located at 15 Mews Street, sold our reporter an e-cigarette that did not meet legal specifications and was raided by trading standards officers on November 10.

Botterill advised any shop owners planning to alter the exterior of a building to contact the council first for guidance, especially when it involves listed buildings in conservation areas.