Opposition to longer hours

An American diner has attracted opposition from neighbours over plans to extend its Sunday working hours.

Burger Base will open in Faversham Road after the lockdown, offering diner classics in both an eat-in and takeaway format.

The opening was widely welcomed on social media. However, some neighbours are not so keen on the venture.

During the planning process a number of them submitted concerns over the plan, mostly around parking, increased traffic and the potential smell.

Franchisee Ash Miah received planning permission and sought to dispel neighbours’ fears by saying: “A lot of people on that road complained and said they’d rather have an empty shop.

“I’m not sure why - they said the reason was traffic but I can wholeheartedly say there’s going to be no more traffic than there usually is on Faversham Road. When we open, we’ll be inviting a lot of locals to come down and sample our food for free and instead asking them to donate to a local charity.

“We want to show that we’re a part of the community and that Burger Base will be a great addition to it.”

One neighbouring household, however, has questioned the planned shop’s impact on the area. Ray and Ursula Jones said: “We were two of the objectors to this enterprise. Parking is a joke as residents unless they have a garage, which many do not, find it nigh on impossible to secure a parking space. This before more congestion is bound to occur.

“The illuminated signs above the shop are very bright and intrusive and quite out of keeping in this residential area.”

A new application has now been lodged, asking for Sunday opening times to match the rest of the week at 8am to 11pm.

■ For more information, search 21/00070/AS on the Ashford Borough Council planning portal.

■ For more public notices, see page 31 or visit kentonline. co.uk/advertise/public-notices

Burger Base is being fitted out before its opening post-lockdown