Not so fast! Block on takeaway plan

APPLICATION FOR JUNK FOOD JOINT GETS CHILLY RESPONSE

MORE takeaways for a fast food dominated street have been turned down.

Anger followed last month’s request to turn a former mobile phone shop into a fast food joint on Chillingham Road, Heaton, Newcastle.

The street is already home to bozens of different takeaways within less than a mile.

Objectors complained that the road was already full to bursting point, and that another takeaway would add to litter problems and be bad for locals’ health.

And on Monday, planners refused permission to use the ground-floor retail space for food production.

In a letter published on the council website, planning officers told the applicant, Arafat Rashid, his application had been refused because it would “adversely affect the balance” of businesses on Chillingham road, and lead to an “over-concentration” of takeaways.

It was also decided the air extraction system which would have been added to the building would have been “detrimental” to neighbours because of the smells created.

They added: “Despite the council wanting to work with the applicant in a positive and probative manner, the proposed development is contrary to the policies referred to in the reasons for refusal and it has not been possible to reach an agreed solution.”

South Heaton Councillor JohnPaul Stephenson, who was among those who objected to the application, said he was “pleased” with the decision.

He said: “I’m very pleased the council have listened to residents. The clear consensus from residents is we have far too many.

“I agree that it’s good to have a choice of takeaways, but I don’t think we’re lacking in Heaton.”

But he urged those who wanted to see a broader mix of businesses on Chillingham Road to support local enterprise in the run-up to Christmas.