Opposition grows to takeaway

Following The Standard’s story last week, neighbours of 25A High Street, Heckington, which has stood unoccupied for a year, have stuck posters in their windows calling upon people to support their opposition to the plan by Yat Tau Cheung, of Aidan Road, Quarrington.

Applying to change the use of the property, the applicant’s agent, Barry Rawdon explains in his submission that his client proposes to repaint the exterior and replace rotten windows. He also plans to fit signage on the frontage, lit from above. He suggests parking would be on the road outside and in the car park on the village green, opening Tuesday to Sunday evenings.

The Standard has contacted the applicant’s agent but has received no response.

Neighbours held a meeting with local ward district councillors Stewart Ogden and Sally Tarry on Friday to express their views.

Rod Handford said his bathroom windows open directly over the takeaway’s proposed ventilation outlet, two metres away.

He said: “It is in addition to the Chinese takeaway which has fulfilled the needs of the village since the 1970s. It is a totally different footfall to a vet’s clinic. That was open for two to three hours at a time, by appointment only, whereas this will be a free-for-all.”

He was concerned access to the premises would be unsuitable for disabled people and there were problems with the drainage, affecting his property.

Residents are concerned it will affect the village conservation area, will create noise and disturbance from extra vehicles visiting, further congesting an already busy street, but the highways department has not objected. The district conservation officer has concerns about the style signage.