Hot food takeaway at 25 High Street, Cinderford

What was proposed

The application sought to convert an existing bank into a hot food takeaway, with extraction equipment, minor external changes and opening hours of 11am to 11pm.

“The proposal is seeking permission for the change of use of the existing bank (use class E) to a hot food takeaway (use class sui generis), which will involve the installation of an extraction and ventilation equipment and minor external alterations.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The detached former bank is in Cinderford town centre, beside a public house and vacant shop, with nearby public parking and a high-street layby.

“The application site is a detached building, previously used as a bank (sui generis), situated within the defined settlement boundary of Cinderford. The building is located along the main highway street within the heart of the town centre. The units in the area are mainly retail, with the units directly adjacent comprising of a public house (sui generis) and a currently vacant card shop (use class E) with residential flats above.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions covered alterations, extensions, staff facilities, cash-point facilities, ramps and illuminated or other signage at the bank.

“P8134/67/FUL - Alterations and extensions to provide a new staff room – Granted permission July 1967”

“P1339/04/FUL - Installation of a new ATM. (Removal of existing lobby ramp) – Granted permission October 2004 P1340/04/ADV - Erection of internally illuminated signage around proposed ATM – Granted permission October 2004 P1576/06/ADV - Erection of internally illuminated fascia and projecting signs – Granted permission December 2006 P0271/13/ADV - Erection of various illuminated and non-illuminated signage – Granted permission April 2013”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the town-centre location acceptable, with no unacceptable harm to the townscape, neighbours, highways, biodiversity or drainage, subject to conditions.

“However, it is considered that the list of uses within the policy is not exhaustive and the purpose of the policy is to provide a variety of uses suitable within the town centre location which encourage visits to the town centre and deliver an active frontage. The proposal will generate a new active frontage within a vacant unit.”

“The increase in parking and resulting impact on highway safety. • The increase in odour and noise. • Impact on health and wellbeing including obesity It is considered that the proposed change of use to a takeaway is acceptable in principle as the proposal will contribute to the continuation of the active frontage and the redevelopment and protection of the town centre.”

Officer report

Consultees and objections

The town council raised parking and litter concerns, while highways and environmental health officers raised no objection subject to conditions; ten people objected.

“Town Council No objection but raise comments in regard to parking and littering.”

“Environmental Health (Noise) No objection subject to condition and informative.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support of the application, while no objector, parish representative or ward member spoke.

The vote and decision

The committee accepted the officer recommendation and granted permission, with 10 votes for, none against and one abstention.

“The Chair summed up what was to be voted on. That they accept the Officers Recommendation to Grant Permission as detailed in the schedule and late material.”

“RESOLVED:- That the Officer Recommendation was to Grant Permission as detailed in the schedule and late material.”

Minutes