The Village Deli in Hartburn win fight to stay open following complaints over traffic and parking

Owner Rosario Di Gregorio had to apply for retrospective planning permission to continue as a deli and keep tables and chairs inside and out of the shop

By Abi Wing

An Italian deli has had to fight for the right to stay open within months of starting up – and won.

Owner Rosario Di Gregorio, who runs The Village Deli in Hartburn with wife Victoria, had to apply for retrospective planning permission to continue as a deli and keep tables and chairs inside and out of the shop after complaints.

Without tables and chairs inside and outside of the deli, the owners were adamant that business would be no more.

The deli opened in September last year and has proved popular with the locals, serving Italian coffee and various Italian-style treats.

But concerned locals complained that a lack of parking spaces at the business was adding to traffic congestion.

Other issues were that the business is classed as a deli and should not have tables and chairs outside.

But Stockton Council has now given planning approval for the business.

Italian-born Rosario, 40, said: “I wanted to stay, we’re part of the community.

“I didn’t want to leave just because of a few complaints. There are no double yellow lines around the deli – I can’t do anything about that and it’s not my issue, and the council agreed with that. We’ve received so much support, so we’re pleased.”

A total of 45 letters of support were received while six objected.

The application was approved at a meeting at Stockton Central Library – 11-0 despite two objectors making their appeals.

Landlord Andy Darby, of The Stockton Arms pub opposite the deli, was one of those to object the planning permission.

He said: “Unfortunately it does not have any allocated parking spaces.

“Our only issue has been with some customers who use our private car parking facilities reserved for hotel guests and customers.

“Our problem is not with the business, its owners or local residents but with the minority of customers that travel and park without thought for others in the neighbourhood.”

Rosario said: “Local businesses should help each other but this obviously isn’t the case. I haven’t got any problems with the owners of The Stockton Arms. I even invited them for a coffee but got no response.”