I would like the general public to support my petition for planning permission for a small extension and dorma to allow my eight year old son and I to live above a shop we now own. I intend to restore the shop’s former glory and re-open it to serve the local community, this will allow me the chance to set up my own business, in memory of my mother, who is in a care home suffering from Alzheimer’s. 

Before purchasing this property I was advised by the estate agent and builders that I would easily receive planning permission for an extension and would be allowed a dorma without permission. 

If this were a house I would not need permission for the dorma, but as it is classed as a flat (because of the shop below) those rights are removed, even though structurally the building is the same. 

The small extension is to allow a teeny kitchen and the small dorma to provide a staircase to make the loft accessible as a second bedroom for my son.

I am hoping to retain the history of the shop that has traded from 1909, restore its former glory, and start my own business, as a single-parent, with sustainable business practice ideas and to serve as a hub for the local community. I have put everything into this life-long dream. This is my home, my future, an income to support my son and I and a way to leave a memory for my mum, who’s have all but died. 

Thank you so much to anyone giving their time to support our cause! Keep local businesses alive!