A discount store in Hillerød, Denmark, is facing demolition of a 563 sq m extension after the municipality determined it violates the current local plan. The store, now totalling over 2,600 sq m, originally received a permit in 2018 for part of the expansion, but prior refusals and regulations were overlooked, making the 2019 addition for Harald Nyborg noncompliant.
© Pattanaphong Khuankaew | Dreamstime
Hillerød Municipality has set June 8 as the deadline for "physical legalisation," warning that failure to comply could trigger a police case. The area's zoning permits wholesale, not retail sales to private customers, yet Harald Nyborg sells tools, electronics, home and garden items, and groceries. The company's presence dates back to 1999 with earlier dispensations, so only the 2019 expansion is affected.
RetailNews reports that Harald Nyborg's management is currently consulting with the store's landlord and legal representatives, including Betina Wichmann from Bruun & Hjejle law firm. Wichmann represents Harald Nyborg and other discount chains in similar planning disputes across Denmark.
This Hillerød case follows a similar issue in Hobro, where authorities challenged the store's sale of groceries in a non-permitted location. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between Danish municipalities and retailers over zoning compliance, legal permits, and enforcement, emphasising the financial risks of unapproved expansions.
Harald Nyborg has yet to publicly comment on whether it will comply with the order or challenge it in court.
The decision underscores the importance for retail chains to ensure zoning and planning compliance when expanding, even in long-established locations.
Source: www.wood-supply.dk
