An entrepreneur’s ongoing battle with the council to keep his business open is set to finally end when he finds out if he has won his planning appeal.
Stefan Markovic, who co-owns the virtual reality firm Norwich VR, says he could have to close his business if the decision doesn't go in his favour when the planning inspectorate makes its ruling on December 3.
The business, which employs nine people, can be found in Oak Street and offers virtual reality experiences for up to six players at a time.
Mr Markovic’s battle with Norwich City Council started in June when he received a letter saying the decking outside his business had to be removed within three months because he didn’t have the correct planning permission.
He was then told the site didn't have the right planning permission to operate as a virtual reality business and that a change of use application should have been submitted.
The business owner appealed the council’s ruling and the case is now set to go before the planning inspectorate, a government body which can override council decisions on planning applications.
If the council’s decision is upheld Mr Markovic could have to close his business.
Mr Markovic said: "The date is now set where we'll sit with both the planning inspectorate and the council to hash it all out.
"So we'll have an answer and confirmation of our future soon."
Mr Markovic said the site was already under the Class E use, which is a broader category for commercial, business and services.
READ MORE: Butcher shop 'caught on a bad day' gets one-star food hygiene rating
A petition was shortly set up - which has more than 1,300 signatures - to keep the decking.
He said back in August: "We spoke to the planning inspectorate, who said we've got good grounds for an appeal.
READ MORE: See inside pub hoping to restore 'former glory' after previous owners evicted
"Obviously I'm worried for the staff, depending on what happens at the hearing, but I'm hopeful that we'll come out on top."
A spokeswoman for Norwich City Council said at the time: "We have served an enforcement notice against various breaches of planning control."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel