A BUSINESS in Frinton is celebrating a double win after their one year anniversary and a planning appeal victory.

Coastal Physiotherapy, in Connaught Avenue, won a change of use appeal this month after Tendring Council refused it planning permission earlier this year.

The attempt to throw them out of the Frinton shopping street threatened the small business’ location and put ten employees at risk.

Their appeal was granted on November 1, allowing them to stay in the town centre.

The news came a few days after celebrating their first anniversary on October 29.

Owner Fleur Oakley-Pugh said: “The sensible decision by the inspector will now allow me to concentrate on building up my business.

“It would not have any adverse effect on the vitality and viability of the town centre.

“Indeed, it points out that it would be supporting the role of the town centre.

“The issue with the council is that they want to have a high street which is retail only.

“But we can’t return to a high street from the Fifties.

“We have got to provide complementary services to get people back on the high street.

“We have spent a good 100 hours on the appeal trying to put the evidence together.

“The team here is thrilled, it’s a growing team and business is great.

“We are not just doing paid services, we are doing free services so that we are able to help and be part of the community.

“It is a double win, absolutely.”

Councillor Richard Everett said: “It was clear in my mind that this case was a deserving one and that a physiotherapy practice was an entirely logical use in the street.

“I am proud to have helped Fleur in winning this appeal and am happy the inspector confirmed that there would be no harm done to the shopping frontage by this business.”