Taxi office given go-ahead despite traffic safety fears
AN empty shop is set to be transformed into a taxi booking office despite objections from council planning officers.
Plans were submitted to the council by Mohammed Razaq to change the former retail shop at 848 Manchester Road in Castleton into a taxi office.
The scheme had been recommended for refusal by officers who feared that the public parking bays outside would be ‘monopolised’ by private hire taxis and be ‘detrimental to the businesses in this local centre.’
They also said no off-street car parking facilities ‘over which the applicant has full control’ had been proposed and meant ‘insufficient parking for the taxi booking office.’
A planning report said: “As a result of the lack of parking, taxis would be likely to stop in inappropriate locations in the vicinity of the premises whilst customers are collected, which would reduce the visibility on a dangerous bend in the highway.
“This would result in a detrimental impact upon the function and safety of the highway on a busy strategic route.”
Mr Razaq said the business would mainly be operated through an ‘online app’ where customers can book a taxi from a computer or smart device.
He also proposed that the office would be available for customers to enter and book a taxi.
Earlier this year a similar application was thrown out by the planning committee.
However at a meeting last week councillors granted permission, subject to conditions on car parking, opening hours and sound proofing.
Representations were made by Mr Razaq and Councillor Daalat Ali in support of the scheme with written objections from ward councillor Billy Sheerin.
The taxi office will open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 8pm on Sunday and Bank Holidays.