Cobham tattoo studio approved despite locals' objections

The store in Church Street, where the studio will be based, has been empty for 18 months

A tattoo studio has been given the go ahead to open in a Surrey village despite claims it would be "another tragedy" for the high street.

True Tattoo will be able to open between 11:00 and 18:00 in Cobham after the change of use from a shop was granted by Elmbridge Borough Council.

The owners branded 91 objections to the plans for the studio in Church Street as "prejudiced and narrow minded".

One objection said tattoo parlours were "not what was seen historically".

Owner Chris Perchard said: "We are delighted to be given the opportunity to bring this beautiful vacant shop back into use.

"Church Street is steeped in history and has seen many types of businesses in the property since the 1600s.

"We look forward to being the new custodians of its next chapter."

'Sailors and punks'

He previously said some objections had been "highly prejudicial and narrow minded... that I feel shocked to see in 2023".

"Modern tattoo shops are inclusive spaces that have long shaken off the age old stigma of just being for sailors and punks."

Robin Stephens, the council's portfolio holder for planning, enterprise and local economy, said the council had looked at how "experiential" outlets could bring people to the village.

He added: "Cobham is quite special because it is still a vibrant high street."

Conservative councillor Alistair Mann, who is also chairman of the Cobham Chamber of Commerce, raised concerns about the loss of a retail space in the village.

He said: "I have absolutely nothing against either this application per se or a tattoo parlour specifically.

"We can't predict what will happen in the future and clearly, Cobham is vibrant enough that if this becomes a tattoo parlour, we're not going to go to hell in a handbasket."

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