A BEAUTY parlour owner in Nelson has been told he can carry on his business in expanded premises – amid fears it could fall foul of town centre planning laws.

Rafal Kubicki had moved Sunbed Planet from premises above an eastern European store, in Scotland Road, to a new home next door.

But after being informed he needed fresh planning permission, development control officers then ruled there would be too many ‘non-retail’ uses along the parade.

However, councillors have rallied to his side and allowed him to carry on with his current operation in new surroundings.

Mr Kubicki told the Nelson area committee he had decided to move because there was no room to expand in his old premises.

“This is my livelihood – I employ four people and I am bringing customers into the town from Padiham, Accrington, Colne and Barrowford,” he said. “I have invested a lot of money into this business and if this is refused then I would be unemployed, like the people who work for me.”

Coun Mohammed Iqbal, Bradley ward councillor, said that although the application may technically breach existing policies, the bid should be allowed.

“He is not bringing a new business in, he is relocating from next door, where he used to be above the Polish shop,” added Coun Iqbal.

Coun Nadeem Ahmed, who represents Whitefield, said that the standard of work carried out on the new shop had been ‘fantastic’.

“This is a chap who is trying to make a living and is willing to invest in Nelson and we should be supporting these kinds of people, who want to open new shops,” he added.

Planning manager Neil Watson warned councillors they were in danger of setting precedents for future town centre applications.