Residents slam fast food plans
Thursday, 19 January 2012
RESIDENTS in the Erskine area have slammed plans for a new fast food outlet at the estate entrance.
A concerned resident has told The Gazette locals are worried about a rise in anti-social behaviour, littering and traffic congestion problems if plans are given the go-ahead.
However a Planning Department spokesperson has confirmed the proposal for a chip shop is currently at a "consultation stage".
The spokesperson also acknowledged "substantial local objection has been received".
Earlier this week the upset resident - who did not want to be named - said: "We feel like we don't have a voice. No-one in the area really knows what is happening, but there is a lot of objections to this plan.
“There was a shop in the suggested location before and it caused a lot of traffic congestion.
“We don't want that problem to return. It can get very dangerous for anyone trying to cross the road.
“Anti-social behaviour could also rise. The chip shop could encourage young people to hang out around it and even if this is innocent enough, it could worry others."
The resident added: "It is also disappointing to see the applicant has been in the premises already, making changes."
The Planning Service has confirmed it is investigating reports that internal work has already begun, before planning permission has been awarded.
A Planning Service official has revealed the applicant is now at risk of enforcement action.
They said: "The Department has recently received reports that internal works associated with the proposal have begun prematurely and is currently examining if a breach of planning control has occurred as a result of these works.
“Where a breach of planning control is proven to have occurred the Department will consider if enforcement action is appropriate in the circumstances.
“In the consideration and determination of the planning application the Department will give the fullest consideration to all the issues raised by the objectors."
A spokesperson for the applicant was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.
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