A PLANNING inspector has thrown out an appeal over controversial proposals for a takeaway food shop on a small shopping precinct.
Warrington’s development control committee refused permission for the change of use of a shop in Orchard Street, Fearnhead earlier this year after massive objections from nearby residents.
But they did so against the advice of officers – and the applicant appealed.
Now the inspector who heard the appeal has agreed with the councillors who refused permission.
He has ruled that noise generated by the takeaway- customers going to and fro, cars stopping, doors slamming, etc – would affect residents of Orchard Street and Station Road.
He also noted that no other shops on the precinct stay open late at night, that Orchard Street is not a busy row and the background noise levels are currently low.
However, he did not believe the shop would cause parking problems, nor that it would lead to anti-social behaviour.
He said the lack of demand for retail use in the area should not justify a development which would be harmful to the living conditions of neighbours.
