Shop to hot food takeaway at Units 5 And 6, Saxon Place, Station Road, Cheddar

Parish council objected over the school

Cheddar Parish Council said the takeaway was too close to a secondary school, cited existing outlets and antisocial behaviour, and questioned staff parking.

“Opposed the application for a fast-food outlet near a secondary school. • Argued that the proposal failed to comply with National Planning Policy (NPPF paragraph 97) as it was within 25 meters of a school entrance and close to an area with prevalent antisocial behaviour.”

Minutes

Who spoke

An objector from the parish council and the planning agent addressed the committee.

Proximity to the school and district centre policy

Officers said the area's district centre status met the policy exception for proximity to schools, and confirmed the police had not been consulted on antisocial behaviour claims.

“Councillors debated the proximity of the proposed takeaway to local schools, referenced National Planning Policy (NPPF paragraph 97) and whether Cheddar’s district centre status allowed the application despite being within walking distance of schools. The Planning Officers clarified that the local plan designated the area as a district centre, which met the policy exception.”

Minutes

No strong grounds to refuse

Councillors tidied up the wording on opening hours and deliveries, and accepted that policy and existing food outlets left no strong grounds to refuse.

“Councillors clarified the opening hours and delivery conditions of the proposal with the Planning Officers agreeing to tidy up the wording to ensure consistency. • Councillors acknowledged that due to planning policy and the fallback position and existing food outlets there were no strong planning grounds to refuse the application.”

Minutes

Councillors voted to approve

Councillors proposed and seconded approval with corrected wording on two conditions, which carried 8 votes to 3 with one abstention.

“After deliberations Councillor Hendry proposed to grant permission in accordance with Officers’ recommendations and the additional corrected wording on condition 5 and 6 to be agreed in consultation with the Chair or Vice Chair. This was seconded by Councillor Filmer.”

“Having been duly proposed and seconded the Planning Committee resolved that the Planning Application be GRANTED planning permission in line with the officer recommendation with the additional corrected wording for condition 5 and 6 to be agreed in consultation with the Chair or Vice Chair.”

Minutes