THE businessman behind moves to turn an empty shop in Selkirk's High Street into the town's next hot-food takeaway and restaurant has hit back at the growing clamour of opposition in the town to his plans, despite them already having planning approval.
Last month, Scottish Borders Council planning committee endorsed the recommendation of its planning officers that the application from Ardeshir Shahin, of Newcastle, be approved to convert the premises at 27 High Street, formerly occupied by Saltoun
Equestrian.
The go-ahead came despite attempts by Selkirkshire SBC councillor Carolyn Riddell-Carre to get the application kicked out and opposition from the local community council.
And last week, the town’s chamber of trade added its voice to the chorus of disapproval, amid fears of possible parking, noise, litter and smell problems.
However, Mr Shahin has contacted The Wee Paper to dismiss these concerns, saying councillors did not have sufficient technical know-how to pass judgement on the matter.
Referring to Mrs Riddell-Carre, Mr Shahin accused her of being “out of touch” with the latest technology and the other issues involved.
“I have to reiterate again, as far as parking is concerned, there are quite a number of parking spaces available in the vicinity of 27 High Street,” stated Mr Shahin.
“In fact, in law it will be the responsibility of the patrons to comply with parking regulations and restrictions. It is absolutely absurd to claim that by approving the application illegal parking is encouraged.”
Mr Shahin added that, if Mrs Riddell-Carre’s objections were taken at face value, then all the shops in the vicinity of 27 High Street would have to close down as they also posed similar parking problems.
And he continued: “With respect to noise, it is a well-established fact that the high street of any city or town is primarily targeted to be the centre of trade and business activity.
“If I chose to live in the High Street, then I would have to tolerate some degree of noise, particularly being positioned on a very busy main road joining Carlisle to Edinburgh.
“One also has to withstand the fact that there are already a number of late-night food outlets trading, such as chip shops, Chinese, Indian, Italian or indeed any other kind.
“In fact, 27 High Street is so closely positioned to some of these outlets, it will not create any extra tangible noise.
“If I was a technically-minded councillor, before commenting on any planning issues I would refer to the technical specification of the proposed extraction system. I would also obtain the guidelines provided by the government in dealing with extraction/flue systems, or at least I would consult with the technical personnel available at the council,” said Mr Shahin.
