PLANS to turn a shop into a takeaway in Shaw have been rejected once again, Kent Lawlor reports.

A change-of-use application was submitted to Oldham Council for the third time, as it looked to turn a retail premises on Trent Road into a takeaway that would only carry out deliveries.

But the plans were met with criticism by residents with the main argument being that it was unsuitable to have a takeaway in a residential area.

In a notice of refusal of planning permission delivered by Oldham Council this week, the local authority announced that “the proposal would introduce an incompatible late night use which would not function well nor enhance the overall quality of the area”.

The council added that the takeaway “would cause an unacceptable level of traffic congestion” and “would not improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area”.

A number of residents posted comments responding to the application online, voicing their concerns about the proposal.

One objector said: “(I) cannot see any reason why you would even consider having this type of business in the area as it is right next to residential homes.”

Another said: “If we'd have wanted a non-stop flow of traffic running into the night and fast food outlets on our doorstep we would have bought property elsewhere.”

Unlike the previous two applications, this one stated that the takeaway would only deliver and therefore “there would be less traffic movement” as there would be “no visits to the premises by the general public”.

However, residents pointed out that there are already plenty of takeaways in the area.

Other commenters mentioned how the suggested location is opposite a church that also acts as a pre-school and therefore would not be an appropriate place for a takeaway.

Issues such as smell, litter and food waste were also raised.

Cllr Dave Murphy criticised the application when it was submitted, arguing that the takeaway would be “an unwelcome addition to a quiet area”.

He said: “No matter how you dress this up – at the end of the day a takeaway is still a takeaway.”

For all the latest news in the area visit theoldhamtimes.co.uk.