Hot food takeaway at Helens, 45 Trellewelyn Road, Rhyl

What was proposed

The application sought permission to change a former hairdresser into a hot food takeaway serving fried food, with opening hours of 11am to 11pm.

“The plan shows the ventilation system to have high level odour control filters with fine filtration or Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) system followed by carbon filtration. The proposal is for a hot food takeaway serving fried chicken, fries, rice and salad etc. The applicant has confirmed the intended hours of opening are 11am - 11pm.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was acceptable in principle and would reuse a vacant unit without significant adverse local amenity impacts, subject to conditions.

“The proposal would bring a unit that has been vacant for over 2 years back into use which would maintain the vitaility and viability of the commercial parade on Trellewelyn Road. Officers do not consider a refusal of planning permission is justified on the basis of the Health Boards comments. RECOMMENDATION: GRANT subject to the following conditions: - 1. The development shall begin not later than 5 years from the date of this decision. 2.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in favour and said the proposal was for takeaway sales only, without deliveries, while local members described continuing traffic and parking concerns.

Members’ debate

Members debated highway impacts, the number of takeaways, public health, nearby schools, opening hours and whether existing policy supported refusal.

“Councillor Price stated that parking remained a significant concern and considered that approval of the application would exacerbate existing issues. Referring to Supplementary Planning Guidance relating to hot food takeaways, he commented on the number of existing fast-food outlets operating within Rhyl, which he estimated to be between 55 and 60 establishments.”

“Members noted that the proposed opening hours differed from those of the neighbouring takeaway premises. It was explained that Members could propose amendments or additional planning conditions; however, any restrictions on opening hours would need to be supported by robust planning reasons.”

Minutes

The vote

Members first voted against granting permission in accordance with the officer recommendation, with 11 against, four in favour and no abstentions.

“Proposal – Councillor Jon Harland proposed that the application be granted in accordance with officer recommendation, SECONDED by Councillor Alan James.”

Minutes

The final decision

The application was refused contrary to the officer recommendation because of obesity levels, the health and wellbeing of future generations, and Health Board comments.

“Councillor Michelle Blakeley- Walker proposed the application be refused on the grounds of obesity levels and the health and wellbeing of future generations, including the comments received from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.”

“RESOLVED: that the application be REFUSED contrary to officer recommendations for reasons stated around obesity levels and the health and wellbeing of future generations and the comments received from the University Health Board.”

Minutes