Anger over popular Wales boutique in woman’s loft

Marie Shepherd opened the White Loft at her home in September 2017 with business partner Charlotte Wadskjaer.

But the success of the small specialist boutique, on narrow Church Street in Wales, angered other residents who are unhappy at parking problems.

And the lack of planning permission was flagged after one neighbour made an inaccurate accusation that there had been structural changes to the house.

Marie said complaints against the business had been “contrived, misinformed and mischievous.”

She added: “From the start we have sought to be considerate to neighbours and have always been calm, courteous and polite. 

“On occasions we have felt under siege. If things were so bad, why did it take 18 months for people to raise this issue?”

Charlotte said the White Loft — open 22 hours a week — alters trading times to avoid clashing with events at the parish church on the same road.

She added: “Our aim has always been to keep the business niche, providing a personal service.

“We are both ladies of a certain age who felt we were out of place shopping on the high street. We saw a gap in the market for a small boutique.”

There were 11 objectors to the shop, including Wales Parish Council. Thirty-seven letters were sent in support of the business, but only two were from Church Street residents.

Customer Karen Abbott described shopping at the White Loft as “like visiting friends”. She said: “It’s very deliberately not located on the high street. As a customer, I can tell you this is a much less intimidating environment.”

Neighbour Andrew Betts was among the objectors, describing the shop as a good business in the wrong place.

He said: “This business is extensive. I remember Mrs Shepherd saying to my wife that sales were very good and on some days could be several thousand pounds.

“It really doesn’t have a place in a quiet, peaceful, residential, no-through-road area. Customers come from far and wide cause traffic chaos on the street, particularly at weekends.”

Neighbour Barrie Marsh said he had nearly been hit by a customer turning their car around, and described children and people with pushchairs having to walk in the road because of cars on the pavement.

Planning board member Cllr Jenny Whysall spoke as an objector rather than voting when the application was heard. 

She said: “It’s the wrong place. It would be a great opportunity to put a retail venture in the heart of the village, which desperately needs regeneration.”

The change of use from residential to retail was passed unanimously by the board, with conditions including provision of a five-space car park.

Board member Cllr Bob Walsh said: “I’m quite fascinated by the business model. I think it’s something we might see more of in future.”