A planning application was submitted for the “subdivision” of 44 South Street into two separate commercial units in June.
On August 18 this was approved by Havering Council and will see the premises, which is home to Cell Tech Exchange, split in half to make room for a new neighbouring beauty business.
The new business is not named in any planning documents submitted by agents Livarch Ltd.
Documents submitted on behalf of applicants Etihad Properties Ltd do confirm that each shop would have its own entrance and the “contemporary character” of the shopfront would be “maintained and enhanced”.
Etihad Properties owns this premises.
Although Cell Tech would lose half of its spatial capacity, owner Amir Akbar previously told the Recorder that this move would be a good thing for his business.
In early July he said: “Things are getting difficult on the high street due to online competitors so I am happy to move myself into the smaller premises meaning my rent can be reduced.
“I have no problem with this plan.
“I will now be paying half of the rent I was and that should let me survive in the market.
“I am happy to reduce some expenses.”
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Amir confirmed that the move would see a beauty firm move into the space previously occupied by Cell Tech and would have nothing to do with his shop.
Havering Council approved the proposal but outlined conditions such as ensuring the development starts within three years, and the works carried out are true to those proposed.
Planning documents confirm the units will be arranged side-by-side with equal access from South Street.
Both shops will benefit from private internal spaces and internal works will not affect the structure of the property.
The new shopfront will retain the existing height and width and the introduction of a second door will be “sensitively integrated” into the existing frame design so each unit has a clearly identifiable door.
The proposal seeks to match the appearance of neighbouring units and maintain “rhythm and visual harmony”.
