Agenda item

Application for planning permission for change of use from shop (Class E) to hot food takeaway (sui generis) and installation of extract and ventilation equipment.

During this agenda item, the meeting length had reached almost two and a half hours.  In accordance with the council’s Constitution, the committee agreed to extend the meeting in order to finish this item.

Committee considered an application for planning permission for change of use from shop (Class E) to hot food takeaway (sui generis) and installation of extract and ventilation equipment.

Consultations, representations, policy and guidance, and the site’s planning history were detailed in the officer’s report, which formed part of the agenda pack for the meeting.

The planning officer introduced the report and highlighted that in officer opinion, the proposed development had no technical objections and was therefore recommended for approval. 

Mr. Philip Hall, an objector, addressed committee on behalf of residents.

Councillor Erik Johnson, of Wantage Town Council, also addressed committee as an objector.

Councillor Andrew Crawford, ward member, also spoke in objection to the application.

Main objections were detailed in written statements that were circulated to committee ahead of the meeting. These statements were sent from members of the public to Planning Enquiries and Democratic Services department.

In summary, residents were concerned about potential anti-social behaviour in a quiet cul-de-sac area where mainly elderly people resided. It was felt that a late-night takeaway (notwithstanding that closing time would be earlier on Sundays to Thursdays, at 22:30) was not appropriate in this area, particularly with no CCTV for security. Residents were concerned about attracting late night anti-social behaviour, noise, mess and crime. Mention was made to rubbish and smells from extractors being a nuisance, as well as concerns over increased traffic, parking and footfall.

The applicant was represented by Mr John Ghaw, the agent in the application. He spoke to committee in support of the application.

Committee asked questions of speakers. Committee asked about the area itself, the impact on neighbouring properties, and about the location of other takeaways and whether such an application, in a residential area with neighbouring homes, was commonplace in Wantage.

Committee debated this item, considering the evidence provided. The committee considered that the application was unusual in that most takeaways are located in particular streets in the town centre of Wantage, rather than in arbitrary residential locations.

Committee unanimously agreed that the location was not suitable for this kind of application. Therefore, they did not agree with the officer recommendation.

A motion was moved, seconded, and supported when put to the vote:

Resolved:

Committee refused planning permission for application P22/V1088/FUL on the grounds of its impact being harmful to neighbours’ amenity and to the character of the area.