Chip shop plans are approved

PLANS for a controversial chip shop have been approved – but only if they agree to open six days a week.

Councillors approved an application for a chippy to open at 11 Station Road in Llanishen, Cardiff.

There had been a split between residents about the plans.

A petition of 700 names against the development had been submitted and an online petition of 1,000 in support had also been drawn up.

There had been a split of opinion, with some welcoming a new business from a well-known owner but others saying it would be “out of place” in their village.

Approval was given, but a condition will be included with the permission so that it cannot open on a Sunday.

The building is at the end of a block of five, two-storey shops.

A number of concerns were raised including about the impact of litter.

The company behind it, Fintans, says it has met with the head teacher of Llanishen High School and the committee of the nearby church.

The school says that the times pupils are now allowed off school ground is limited so access to the shop for pupils would also be.

Peter Clark spoke against the plans and said that councillors should be aware that every other takeaway application for the site had been turned down.

“It’s been said in previous applications that takeaway use was unsuitable at this location,” he says.

With regards to litter, he said that while Llanishen High has a new rule to stop students leaving at certain times, it does not affect sixth form students or apply after 3.15pm.

The owner of Fintans also spoke at the meeting.

He said he has run his Whitchurch shop for 28 years.

“What we do, we do well,” he said. “Looking at Llanishen, there’s a need for something of this sort. The area is right, the premises are right”.

However, Conservative Heath Councillor Lyn Hudson said: “This is an area of smaller artisan shops.”

The business pledged to support litter schemes with its 5p carrier bag charge.

Labour Councillor Phil Bale spoke and said there have been issues with litter in the graveyard and asked for conditions for sufficient bins to be installed.

Labour’s Councillor Iona Gordon said she supported the scheme but asked for a “day off” for residents.

A vote against the scheme, put forward by Conservative Councillor Sean Driscoll, failed, but Coun Gordon’s amendment for no opening on a Sunday passed.