Takeaway tensions
SELKIRK Chamber of Trade has unanimously given the thumbs down to a new hot-food takeaway, fearing it will force the closure of neighbouring shops on the High Street.
Representatives of the town’s business community met on Tuesday night with the main topic of discussion being Scottish Borders Council’s decision earlier this month to allow Ardeshir Shahan to set up the takeaway and restaurant at 27 High Street.
Traders agreed that the possibility of traffic problems caused by illegal parking outside the shop – which has latterly traded as Saltoun Equestrian – and strong food smells from the takeaway should have led to Mr Shahan’s bid being turned down.
Chamber of Trade chairman Gordon Edgar hopes these factors do not lead to hairdressers Haircraft (29 High Street) and Jenny Muir Ladies’ Wear (23 High Street) being forced to close.
Mr Edgar told The Wee Paper: “The fear is that this could have an adverse affect on the businesses either side of the new takeaway, which are both long standing shops.
“Although the smell from takeaways is not that bad, it could still get into the clothes of the next door shop and put customers off. I really hope these shops do not have to close because of this.”
He added: “No matter what they say, people visiting the takeaway will park along Tower Street and cause problems on a main trunk road through Selkirk, which will not look good for the town.
“We have nothing against the applicant setting up a business but we just feel it is not situated in the proper location.”
Selkirkshire councillor Carolyn Riddell-Carre unsuccessfully attempted to kick out the takeaway proposal at the SBC planning committee meeting after planning officer Scott Shearer had recommended approval.
But Mr Edgar still criticised her for the removal of prime retail frontage protection in the town three years ago, which allows shops such as Mr Shahan’s to replace retail premises.
“It is unfortunate that taking away prime retail frontage has meant this application has been allowed,” said Mr Edgar.
“When we had prime retail frontage, shops were occupied a bit more slowly but there were not a lot of empty shops.
“But because of Councillor Riddell-Carre promoting the protection being taken away we now have the situation where takeaways are gaining permission on inappropriate sites.
“We were very disappointed that this has gone ahead after being knocked back three years ago, especially as the same people who objected last time objected again this time. But there is not a lot we can do as an appeal cannot be made.”
However, Mr Edgar added: “I believe there is still a long way to go (before the takeaway is opened) because the neighbours are up in arms that the plans have been accepted.”
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Weather for Selkirk
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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