Knott End to get new Mr G's Turkish kebab takeaway outlet after planners' green light

Knott End is to get a new Turkish kebab shop after planners at Wyre gave the scheme the green light. Although objectors said Knott End already has enough takeaway outlets selling hot food, planners felt the move was appropriate for the site.

The new hot food takeaway outlet, at 2 Wyre View, is to become the latest branch of Mr G’s, which already has successful outlets in Cleveleys and Bispham.

It has been set up by Mr Gokhan Celebi, who applied for a change of use from retail (Class E) with residential accommodation above, to hot food takeaway with owners/workers accommodation above.

Work includes the installation of a flue extract to the side of the property.

The application was approved by Wyre’s planning officer.

There were five letters of objection lodged with planners, with opponents arguing that Knott End did not need any more takeaways after a number of others opened there in the past year.

They also raised concerns that the new hot food outlet would lead to potential odour issues, an unwanted increase in traffic movements, parking issues and littering, while the proposed flue would be unsightly and out of keeping with the area.

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Sign up for our free newsletters now Preesall Town Council had no objection to the application although wanted to question whether there was a need for yet another takeaway business

Planning consultants, Abott-Hull Associates, for the applicant, said: “The property has been chosen with consideration to the surrounding properties and for the use to not cause a nuisance and instead support local business.

“The application has been submitted with a supporting Noise and Odour Assessment, while the change of use would add to the diversity of amenities provided within the district centre, prompt the viability of the local area and encourage sustainable communities with the site being easily accessible. “

Before reaching a decision, the planning officer considered whether the issue of childhood obesity, a factor which councils must take into account in regard to new takeaways, was relevant in this case.

However, a delegated report stated: “Whilst it is acknowledged that the proposal is contrary to the LCC guidance in relation to childhood obesity, the year 6 prevalence of obesity in this area is lower than in Lancashire (19.7%) and in England (20.4%).

“This must also be balanced against the fact that there is no Local Plan policy on takeaway provision and health.

“Indeed, in preparing Wyre's Local Plan, Wyre's obesity and deprivation levels were considered insufficient evidence to justify such a policy on takeaway restrictions in Wyre.

“Therefore the conflict with the LCC guidance is insufficient reason in itself to justify refusal of the planning application. With these points in mind, it is considered that the proposal is acceptable in principle.”