Plans for a controversial hot food takeaway – which resulted in protests from residents and over 60 letters of objection from neighbours – have been dismissed by councillors.
Cheers and clapping arose from the meeting room when members of North Shropshire District Council’s development control committee turned down plans for the takeaway in Wrexham Road, Whitchurch, at a meeting yesterday (Wednesday).
The proposed takeaway would have been sited in the former Spar shop, where it would have opened from noon until 9pm Monday to Friday, and until 10pm on Saturdays.
The council’s planning department was flooded with letters complaining on the grounds that the takeaway would generate extra noise, smells and litter, and would cause traffic problems in the area.
Concerns were also raised by Whitchurch Town Council over unpleasant smells that will affect neighbours, and West Mercia Police over a potential increase in anti-social behaviour.
Planning permission for the takeaway was refused by councillors in November last year, but an amended application which went before the committee earlier this month was recommended for approval.
Residents on Wrexham Road staged a demonstration against the takeaway earlier this month and some of the protesters attended the meeting at the council’s Edinburgh House headquarters in Wem in support of Graham Powell, who spoke out against the plans.
During the meeting Mr Powell, town planning consultant, spoke against the proposal on behalf of residents. He said: “If the development needs CCTV then surely the takeaway should not be there. Neighbours rely on you to vote to protect their interests.”
Gerald Dakin, district councillor, said: “Whitchurch has got more than enough takeaways which have served the population very well for the last 30 years.”
After the meeting, resident Lesley Watson said she was so happy with the outcome that it made her want to cry. She said: “I want to thank the councillors who supported us, Mr Powell and all the residents.”
Mr Powell said: “If they do appeal we will be back and will return to fight another day.”
