Planners reject Bispham furniture showroom's shop application

BM Furniture, in Moor Park Avenue, Bispham, wanted to dedicate 10 per cent of its premises to serving passers-by, who often pop in to try and buy products at wholesale prices, documents showed.

But the council rejected the application, saying it clashed with planning policies.

"The existing reception area has a dual use of furniture display area, and it is this area that is in contention, by virtue of members of the public who visit the site randomly with a view to purchasing furniture at wholesale prices," papers showed.

"The applicant has attempted to resist this by erecting signs both internally and externally on the building to say that this is a trade showroom and that all prices are subject to VAT."