A FLORIST who was “outraged” when she was banned from putting flowers outside her shop has won her appeal.

Lizzie Parker, owner of Lizzi Fiori Floral Design in The Broadway, Woodford Green, was shocked to be told a colourful display would look too cluttered by Redbridge Council.

As a result, councillors on the planning committee rejected rejected it and she feared the decision would damage her business.
But after launching an appeal, the sub-committee overruled the initial decision.

She said: “For a florist not to have an external display is ridiculous. 
“For them to have rejected it would have been very detrimental to the business. An outside display entices people, they see things for sale they wouldn’t see unless they came in.”

She had the backing of her neighbouring traders, who she claims shared equal disgust at the decision. 

She said: “We had the support of local residents and businesses. They all thought it was outrageous.”

She believes the shop front improves the street’s look, saying: “If anything it enhances The Broadway, makes it look pretty and attractive. It’s the type of shop The Broadway needs, it’s in keeping with the conservation area.”

Senober Khan, development control officer at Redbridge Council, outlined the Highway’s Development Control service’s objection.

He said: “The gap between the proposed encroachment and the lamp column would be less than a metre.

“This would result in a dog leg of manoeuvre for pedestrians.”