RESIDENTS have claimed “a victory” after a trader’s application to sell booze was approved with several caveats.

Niyazi Erdogan, who will open an organic food store with outdoor seating, won the right to sell alcohol between in The Broadway, Woodford Green, despite fears it would add to street drinking and begging issues in the area.

Redbridge Council’s licensing sub-committee, chaired by Councillor Paul Canal, approved Mr Erdogan’s application on Monday, September 18, on several conditions.

Noreen Madison, 71, of Woodford Green, expressed some contentment despite the result.

She said: “It’s a miniscule victory. I think we made our points we just have to keep an eye on it and hope it remains a peaceful place.

“Licensed hours were cut down quite a lot from the original application. I am pleased that due to representations, conditions were met. We got some of the conditions we wanted.”

Ms Madison managed to get around 400 signatories to oppose Mr Erdogan’s application.

Mr Erdogan wanted to sell alcohol on and off premises from 7am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday.

However, the committee ruled that he would only be able to do so on site from 10am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 10.30am on Sunday.

Residents can buy alcohol to take off the premises from 8am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 10.30pm on Sunday.

The committee ruled that deliveries could only occur around the back of the shop and high strain beer and cider above 6.5 per cent could not be sold.

Nass Khan, 50, of Woodford Green expressed fears that “anything” could be set up following the licence’s approval, from betting shops to casinos.

Neil Eldem, the agent speaking for much of the meeting on behalf of Mr Erdogan, said it was not in the trader’s interest to increase problems in the surrounding area.

He said: “The applicant lives in the area and has three children. The last thing he wants to do is increase the risk of harm to his children.

“There is no evidence this premises will cause more crime,” he added.