Upset at Chinese takeaway in the ‘no fry zone’
PERMISSION has been granted for a Chinese restaurant at Blacklion in Greystones, causing outrage among ‘no fry zone’ campaigners.
They say that this contravenes a rule that says fast food outlets are not permitted to open within 400 metres of schools, parks or playgrounds.
The site is 125 metres from Temple Carrig and 150 metres from Greystones Educate Together.
The permission includes a condition that the takeaway portion of the business may not operate until after 5 p.m.
‘Council officials have quite deliberately ignored the provisions of their own county development plan in respect of children’s health,’ said Philip Moyles, chairman of the No Fry Zone 4 Kids group.
‘NO FRY ZONE’ campaigners in Greystones have appealed to overturn permission for a Chinese restaurant at Blacklion retail centre in Greystones.
This comes weeks after the council received an award for its innovation in tackling obesity, in particular relating to the no fry zone.
The planned restaurant is expected to be located where the Curves gym used to be.
The site is 125 metres from Temple Carrig secondary school, and 150 metres from Greystones Educate together.
According to objective RT17 adopted into the Wicklow County Development Plan 2016-2022, fast food outlets are not permitted to open within 400 metres of schools.
Campaigners said that objections were not made to the application, on the assumption that it would be rejected.
Wicklow County Council has approved the application, with a condition that the takeaway element of the business cannot start until 5 p.m.
Campaigners say that the planners have breached objective RT17 by allowing the development.
‘Council officials have quite deliberately ignored the provisions of their own county development plan in respect of children’s health,’ said Philip Moyles, No Fry Zone 4 Kids chairman. ‘It brings the whole planning system into disrepute.’
The planning officer recommended requesting further information. This was overruled by engineer Fergal Keogh. Mr Keogh recommended granting approval on the grounds that Lidl already sells foods that may be high in salt, sugar or fat.
The group has sought legal advice. They are looking for leave of appeal to An Bord Pleanala on the decision. As no one made an objection to the council, no one can appeal to An Bord Pleanala.