Takeaway plans rejected

JONATHAN GRIEVE

There was opposition to the application because of its proximity to Benjamin Hargreaves primary school, insufficient parking and traffic congestion on Plantation Street because it is a main route into Accrington town centre.

Developers said although there is a Chinese takeaway and chip shop next door, there are no other takeaways in the area.

The applicant had proposed opening times of 7am to 2pm and 3pm to 11pm on Monday to Friday and 7am to 2pm and 3pm to 1am on weekends.

Government planning inspector Andrew McGlone found he agreed with the council’s decision.

He said: “While there is a takeaway at No 57, and there is no evidence of any existing noise and disturbance issues associated with this use, the proposal would have a significant effect on nearby residents living conditions due to the proposed evening hours across the week.

“Particular harm would be caused to those residents living next door to the premises.

“Despite my findings in respect of odour and noise from deliveries, and the proposal’s compliance with a number of criteria, I conclude that the proposed hot food takeaway would cause significant harm to the living conditions of nearby residents, with regards to noise and disturbance, and on-street parking.

“Overall, I do not consider that this otherwise unacceptable development could be made acceptable through the use of conditions.”