RED tape has halted a backyard business in Marsh Street which sold antiques and old wares.
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Robert Lawry spent five months and $15,000 renovating and stocking the garage at the rear of Knight’s Store with goods including mirrors, tables, outdoor furniture and nic-nacs.
It was another drawcard to the popular corner store, operated by his brother Ben and sister-in-law Kate. “I made sure I had public liability and insurances to cover the business and opened in the middle of May,” Mr Lawry said.
It proved such a success with passers-by, he bought a mini-truck to transport more wares.
But the venture was shortlived, with Armidale Regional Council ordering the business to close on May 25.
Mr Lawry was told the business could not operate within a residential zone.
“Apart from neighbourhood shops and plant nurseries, most other commercial uses are prohibited within [this zone],” a council spokeswoman said.
But there’s a ray of hope.
Ben and Kate are selling the business; Mr Lawry has asked Council if he could sell his wares within the store.
“I would also sell coffee and snacks, it could work well,” Mr Lawry, who moved from Sydney to be closer to his family and to also set up the business, said.
The idea is being considered by Council.
“[It] may offer a solution to the otherwise prohibitive controls which apply with commercial development within a general residential zone,” the spokeswoman said.