Rent increases put more businesses at threat as business leader forced to shut up shop

Neelofar Khan said she was forced to close her Indian restaurant Chilli Chutney in Streatham High Road two weeks ago, after a 35 per cent rent hike in the past two years.

She warned other businesses along the high road were also under threat because of the rising rents.

Mrs Khan, who opened her business in Streatham in 2003, said: “Instead of supporting businesses at a difficult time, landlords are just asking for more rent.

“I know there are other businesses in trouble, and I won’t be surprised to see more close.”

Popular restaurant and bar Nineteen, next to Chilli Chutney, has also recently warned it was facing business-threatening rent increases.

Shoe shop Clarks closed earlier this year after more than 30 years because of rent increases.

Nineteen and Chilli Chutney’s premises are owned by landlord Zurich Assurance, which owns 22 businesses in the High Parade – the stretch of the high road that leads from Nandos to Chilli Chutney.

The parade has some of the highest rents in Streatham.

Zurich Assurance declined to comment, but the Streatham Guardian understands no rent rises it has asked for have broken the terms of its contracts with tenants.

But Streatham town centre manager Angelina Purcell said: “Everyone recognises its a difficult economic environment for everyone at the moment.

“There is a need for landlords and tenants to co-operate with each other when it comes to rent reviews.”

She said the loss of Mrs Khan – a leading member of the Streatham business community, who introduced her to Streatham – was a “massive blow to the area”.

She sat on the Streatham business panel, held business breakfasts to unite the community and also led enterprises on issues such as how to avoid employing illegal immigrants.

She will remain on the Lambeth Enterprise Board, Lambeth Business Panel and as a leading member of the Southside Chamber of Commerce, as she still owns businesses in Waterloo and Croydon.