Protest against chip shop plan

Dozens of angry protesters were due to pack out a planning meeting today in a bid to prevent a takeaway being set up near their Shropshire homes.Residents of Wrexham Road, Whitchurch, were out demonstrating this morning when members of North Shropshire District Council's development control committee came to examine the proposed site for the hot food takeaway.

Officers are recommending councillors approve the plans for the former Spar shop when they meet this afternoon. A similar application has already been refused by councillors, but a revised plan has now been submitted.

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Lesley Watson, who lives opposite the site, said more than 50 letters of objection had been sent to the council.

Concerns raised included that the takeaway would generate extra noise, smell, parking problems, litter and anti-social behaviour.

She said people were concerned changes to the ventilation system included in the revised plans would not be sufficient to remove unpleasant smells.

"It's going to increase parking," she said. "If they put a chip shop there, there'll be more parking so the lorries are going to be on the road even more. People are going to come out of the chip shop and drop their rubbish on their way home; the alleyway is absolutely full of litter."

Diane Clarke, who also lives near the site, said: "We won't be able to even open our windows because of the smell and it's going to be a gathering point for youths at night time and there's going to be trouble."

Whitchurch Town Council and West Mercia Police have also objected to the plan.

Town councillors have concerns about smells from the takeaway affecting neighbours, while the police are worried anti-social behaviour might increase.

The previous application was rejected in November, and a report being presented to councillors today said the new application had overcome issues regarding noise and smell, and should be approved.

Residents in Wrexham Road, Whitchurch, are protesting at plans for a takeaway.

Protesters Andrew Madeley, Christine Stabler, Albert Griffiths, Bernice Slater and Carol Griffiths.

Lesley Watson, Mary Ellison, Ray Stabler, Pete Slater with,

front, Di Clarke and Carl Clark at the protest.