The owners of a Congleton vape shop are seeking to move from their Mill Street premises because they say the footpath is too narrow to allow for social distancing.

The owners have applied for planning permission to turn a redundant stable in Biddulph into their new shop.

The application was submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council by David and Catherine Tellwright on 15th July, and describes a "change of use of existing redundant stable block to retail shop and store and associated development".

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application explains how Mr and Mrs Tellwright run the E-cigs shop on Mill Street, but were left looking for alternatives after the shop was forced to close temporarily during lockdown.

The statement describes how Mill Street's layout makes the running of the shop difficult after reopening with the new Coronavirus restrictions in place.

It says: "In our humble opinion, whilst the restrictions and imposed new street level instructions are not surprising they will present more problems than they will solve for Mr & Mrs Tellwright.

"Presuming one person is in the shop, awaiting customers will be queuing outside on the pavement at a social distance of two metres whilst not standing too close to other awaiting customers waiting to gain entry into the neighbouring shops, also at queuing at a social distance.

"Whilst these awaiting customers are queuing along the pavement of Mill Street they will be forcing other pedestrians (mothers with pushchairs, persons in wheelchairs or anyone else) precariously onto the road (from both sides at a social distance of two metres) either into on-coming traffic or blindly into the path of traffic coming from behind them. Whichever the outcome such pedestrian activity will probably block or at the very least hold up vehicles."

Describing the plans to transform the stable block on Woodhouse Lane, Biddulph into a new vape shop, the statement continues: "The existing stable block is not ideal but can be made 'Covid Safe' for visitors and customers. Social distancing can be implemented with a 'one in – one out' policy and directional on site routes will ensure all are safe until such time things can be done differently.

"It is with therefore all due good conscience that the redundant stable block be altered and turned into something of more use to Mr & Mrs Tellwright and their loyal customers.

Biddulph town councillors recommended the proposals be approved by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council at their planning meeting last night.