Edinburgh locals objected converting an abandoned grocery shop into a new Italian takeaway over traffic congestion fears.
The City of Edinburgh Council validated the proposal from the developers to create a new restaurant and hot food takeaway at Bridge Road in Colinton.
The proposed takeaway was to replace an old convenience store at 30 to 32 Bridge Road but some of the local community fear there is already enough establishments in the area and anymore will exacerbate traffic congestion and noise pollution.
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The restaurant and takeaway was intended to open seven days a week from 7am to 11pm and this was another matter of contention for the locals.
They say that the old shop also opened early but was shut for early evenings every night - and locals say the late night noise will only cause more disturbance for residents.
One said: “I have been a resident of Colinton for 40 years. During this time I have watched the village grow.
“Along with this growth inevitably traffic also increased. Bridge Road is already extremely congested, with heavy goods vehicles delivering to the Co-op and The Colinton Inn, as well as delivery vans to the other establishments within the street.
“Parking can be extremely problematic, indeed being a pedestrian is not always easy as these vehicles at times park partly on the footpath and pedestrians regularly find themselves walking on the road.”
Another added: “At present it is extremely difficult to find a space to park and, at times, very difficult to drive through the village because of the volume of traffic. I have a Blue Badge however, this makes no difference. The new use of this property would bring more traffic and more parking problems.
“The proposed hours of business would give no respite to local residents and visitors from the noise, litter and cooking smells which would pervade the area.
“Considering the proximity of the building to residential properties, the noise, litter and cooking smells would be intolerable. Sleeping would be almost impossible and this would have an impact on the residents health.”
The developers withdrew the application on January 31.
The decision notice on the planning application shows that Edinburgh Council were concerned about the local conservation area and were ready to recommend the application be refused.
It states: “The proposal does not comply with the Edinburgh Local Development Plan and the Council’s non-statutory guidance in respect to LDP policies Hou 7 and Ret 11 as although the proposed use is appropriate in this location and the proposals will preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area.
“Insufficient details have been submitted to demonstrate whether a satisfactory residential amenity can be maintained. There are no material considerations that outweigh this conclusion and refusal is recommended.”
