Plans to transform a former butcher’s shop in to a new chip shop in Dumbarton East have been recommended for refusal by planners.
A planning application was submitted to West Dunbartonshire Council for a change of use for the former Thomas Smith & Son shop in Glasgow Road.
The applicant, Glasgow AP Ltd, wants to change the premises’ use, from a Class 1A, previously held by the butcher shop, to a hot food takeaway selling fish and chips as well as fitting a flue.
However, planning officers have recommended that the application be refused, due to a lack of off-street parking for its use as a busy takeaway and officers say that it could result in ‘additional on-street parking demand, obstructive parking and congestion within what is a heavily parked area, to the detriment of road and pedestrian safety’.
The application relates to the vacant commercial unit situated on the ground floor of a three-storey tenement-style corner block, located on the southern side of Glasgow Road, at the junction with Wallace Street.
The proposals would also see the shopfront changed from blue to white.
The application site is located within a Local Centre, as identified in the Local Plan and proposed Local Development Plan 2. The site is also located within the north-west corner of the Knoxland Conservation Area.
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In documents to be presented to councillors at the meeting, planners say that West Dunbartonshire Council Roads Service advised that it could not support the proposal due to the required five off-street parking spaces not included in the plans.
They added: “It is noted that, in the absence of off-street parking, customers are likely to use the nearest on street provision, which raises safety concerns that are increased by the presence of the controlled crossing and associated white zig zag situated immediately outside the unit. The Roads Service advise that Police Scotland share these concerns.”
West Dunbartonshire Council Environmental Health Service offered up no objections, subject to a condition relating to the ventilation system, specifically to control the odour, vibration and noise emitting from the proposed takeaway.
The plans have so far received 24 representations – including from 17 people supporting the proposal and seven from those objecting.
Concerns raised in the objections include the visual impact it would have on the surrounding area; fears that late operating hours, customer footfall, deliveries, extractor fans, customers driving to the shop and idling vehicles outside would result in noise and general disturbance to local residents; odour pollution; and concerns that the shop could see a rise in anti-social behaviour.
Further concerns were raised over the lack of parking amenities and the increase in traffic volume.
However, those backing the proposals say that it would bring much-needed footfall – including tourism – to the area, and would support businesses to grow in the area.
They add that it would also boost the area’s takeaway offerings – with no fish and chip shops located between Silverton and the town centre.
The application is due to be heard at the council’s next meeting of the planning committee, on Wednesday, December 11, at the council’s headquarters.