The planning application to allow a hot food takeaway in the former Nat West building in Gatley was granted at Cheadle Area Committee on Tuesday.

I was opposed to the plan, but was struggling to find valid planning grounds to refuse it.  Because I’d already made my position public, I didn’t take part in the decision and left the room.

I’ve already set out the issues around the application here.  I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to the discussion on Facebook and here, who sent in objections to the application and especially Claire Forrest and Mark Lees who worked on the grounds to oppose it.  Mark came along to Area Committee and spoke against the application, raising concerns about parking.

The councillors felt that there was no realistic chance of the application being refused on appeal, and so felt granting it was the best option rather than dragging things out and costing more money for the same result.

The owners of the building, a dentist and doctor, have told me that they’re looking at at least two possibly people to move in, so it’s not yet known what sort of hot food takeaway it will be.

The exterior of the building won’t be altered, though no doubt there will be a further application for signage.

I feel that, although we weren’t able to stop this one, we’ve sent a message that getting the new planning rules in place to allow us to stop further hot food takeaways is important and has strong local support.

 

 

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