CONCERNS about the whiff of curry floating out of a Grade II listed building have failed to stop plans for a new Indian takeaway next to Audley End Station.
CONCERNS about the whiff of curry floating out of a Grade II listed building have failed to stop plans for a new Indian takeaway next to Audley End Station.
Uttlesford District Council granted permission for the Old Station Masters House in Wendens Ambo to be converted into a food outlet for commuters and residents.
Villagers living over 100m away opposed the plans, saying it will be “smelly” and claimed that there is not enough customer parking.
Speaking on behalf of the parish council, Marion Macdonald said: “There is absolutely no demand for this service in the village. The information in the application about parking spaces is incorrect – British Rail staff already use all the spaces around the site.
“It is okay the planning officers to recommend this for approval but they don’t have to live with it. The litter and the smells will inevitably increase.
“The parish council wanted this application refused.”
With villagers clearly not wanting the new takeaway this may be seen as a victory for train users.
Cllr Eggie Abrahams said: “I think this is a jolly good idea. Everywhere has takeaways and restaurants like this and they cause no problems as far as I can see.
“It will be good to jump off the train and get food. I would personally like the idea of taking a curry home with me.”
The takeaway will employ two full time and two part time members of staff. Opening times will be Monday to Saturday noon till 2pm (3pm on Sunday) and Sunday to Thursday 5pm till 10.30pm (11pm on Friday and Saturday).
Councillors justified the decision by saying that ample parking could be found just metres away at the pay and display facility connected to Audley End station.
They also pointed to a ventilation system within the plans that will filter out cooking smells through the existing chimney on the roof of the building, which was built in 1845.
Those plans will be scrutinised further before the takeaway is allowed to open and the council did insist that closed lid bins also be installed beforehand.
An opening date for the new takeaway has not yet been announced.
DO you think Wendens Ambo needs a new Indian takeaway? E-mail us at editor@saffronwalden-reporter.co.uk
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