Liquor store plan for Ilam withdrawn

The owner of a proposed new liquor store near student accommodation in Christchurch has pulled the plug on his plan.

Jugraj Singh applied for a liquor licence last year to open Ilam Wine Beer & Spirits at a corner shopping centre at 136 Ilam Rd.

The site is within 1 kilometre of at least three types of student accommodation, and close to two other liquor outlets.

Singh’s application was met by strong opposition from the community, who said setting up an off-licence within walking distance of student halls was ‘‘irresponsible’’ and aimed to capitalise on the drinking habits of ‘‘vulnerable’’ students.

Concerns ranged from an increase in alcohol abuse among students to increased pressure on the area’s limited car parking.

Christchurch City Council head of regulatory compliance Tracey Weston said 131 public objections were received in response to the application.

A University of Canterbury spokeswoman earlier said the university had been in the process of filing an objection.

Singh withdrew his application on Tuesday but said he had not been influenced by the objections, which he believed mostly came from competitors rather than local residents.

He said he made the decision largely because of a delay in receiving a report from medical officers of health.

Singh said he had no plans to open a liquor store anywhere in the near future.

Ilam & Upper Riccarton Residents’ Association chairman Jonathon Reddiford welcomed Singh’s decision.

‘‘It wasn’t the right place, and I think he has come to that understanding.’’