Plans for a fast food takeaway in the heart of a residential estate are “outrageous”, according to the leader of the council.
Labour leader Martin Rooney has hit out over proposals for the former oil storage facility/ boiler house on Carson Road in Dalvait.
Owner Sava Estates has applied to West Dunbartonshire Council for permission to change the use of the derelict building to form a hot food takeaway with a new shop front, including the installation of a flue.
Councillor Rooney, who is a ward member for the area, said: “The idea of turning the old boiler house into a fast food takeaway is an outrageous idea.
“It would be intolerable for local residents, the prospect of all the extra noise from customers, the hundreds of extra vehicle movements and increased fumes, the limited parking for collections and deliveries at the boiler house, the increased risks to children and others with lots more vehicle movements, and the environmental impact of additional littering- and discarded food waste, odours from cooking and the potential for attracting rats into the area means that it is a complete non-starter in my books.”
The applicant’s agent Don Bennett, of Bennett Developments and Consulting, told the Lennox his client was mindful that the proposal may cause some concern and had addressed these in the application.
He said: “People might have a different view and they can understand that. It has the potential to provide a positive service for the community. We know that derelict buildings can attract the wrong sort of attention and this proposal would bring an empty building back into use.”
The local authority previously owned the building and sought offers for its sale last year.
Councillor Rooney says it was sold off with the expectation that it could potentially be used for residential space, storage or other suitable use.
The council leader has lodged an objection with the planning department and has urged others to do the same.
He added: “Unfortunately, planning decisions are made by members of the planning committee, taking into account local policies. This affects the whole community so we can’t just hope someone else puts in an objection.
“It’s vital that all local residents in Dalvait and the surrounding area, make their voice heard and object to this proposal.
“I’ve already written to the council planning committee to formally lodge my objections to the proposed fast food take away at Carson Road and I will be encouraging others to do the same.”
In a planning statement, Bennett Developments and Consulting stated: “Refuse will be stored within a dedicated waste/refuse facility in the unit and be placed outside for uplift by the appointed contractor at the appointed time.
“This will ensure that empty bins are not left to obstruct pedestrian passage and no litter is left on the roadside.
“In the first instance, the proposed development represents a sustainable approach of the introduction of a new facility into the area.
“Given the scale and character of the surrounding area the proposed development can be accommodated within the urban townscape of the area with no impact on the amenity of the local area.”
It adds: “The applicant is minded of the fact that the introduction of a food outlet can be problematic and can generate a number of issues, particularly with respect to waste, smells and noise.
“Of particular concern is the appropriate management and disposal of food waste, as this can create public health problems.
“Accordingly the proposed development incorporates a dedicated waste management and disposal system which will ensure that all waste is stored and disposed of in the most effective and proper manner.
“The proposed development of this redundant gas boiler house will see the recycling of a vacant property which if left unoccupied could very quickly become a disamenity in the local area.
“The new hot food outlet will offer a service mainly to the local surrounding area and will be designed to ensure that the amenity of the area is respected.
“The introduction of large glazed elements in the frontage will provide a more attractive image than the existing security doors, and in the evenings and the winter months the splay of light will animate this corner and engender a sense of safety and security rather than the dark and slightly intimidating building which exists at present.”
