A grocers has been given the go-ahead to sell alcohol despite objections from a neighbouring business.

Jude Kumar’s application to Trafford’s licensing sub-committee for his Indian Grocery store on Woodhouse Lane East, Timperley, was approved as chair of the panel Cllr David Jarman said: “The objections are not relevant and are more to do with competition [which is not a legitimate licensing consideration].”

The outlet will now be able to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises from 7am to 11pm from Monday to Sunday.

Ian Rushton, representing Mr Kumar, described the Indian grocery business as a convenience store selling Indian and Asian products.

He said that Mr Kumar has been operating the business for five years and has a lease for another seven years and plans on being in the shop "for the long term".

“He wants to develop the shop with the focus on being a convenience store,” Mr Rushton said.

“Alcohol sales would just be part of the the business.

“Mr Kumar is a family man with two teenage children, lives in the area and is part of the local community.”

He said that Mr Kumar has 20 years of experience in the retail trade, including in businesses selling alcohol and has worked as a "designated premises supervisor" [manager].

The panel was told there would be a CCTV system in operation, regular litter picks and staff would be trained in "Challenger 25" to prevent underage people buying alcohol and this would also cover vapes and cigarettes.

Mr Rushton added: “The only objection is from a shop several doors away and this is based purely on commercial considerations.

“It’s another business trying to stop a competitor gaining a licence. The allegations being made are all untrue, irrelevant and frivolous.”

Some 20 representations had been made in favour of the application, the panel was told.

The licence was granted by the panel after a short adjournment.