Chip shop plan for Oldbury backed by 1,500 people
A chip shop which objectors say will cause a stink looks set to open after 1,500 people backed its opening.
Sandwell councillors are being asked to approve the conversion of a store on Newbury Lane, Oldbury, into a takeaway despite objections from neighbours opposing the plan.
But the council has also received two petitions with 1,500 signatures backing the idea.
The massive support for cod and chips looks to outweigh neighbours’ fears of fishy smells, litter, traffic problems, crime and anti-social behaviour from residents who have also fear their house prices could fall.
Planning officers are recommending approval of the conversion of a building next to Newbury Lane Post Office.
Rejecting neighbours’ protests, council officers have said foul smells can be controlled by extraction and ventilation systems.
In a report to the borough’s planning committee, they add: “Issues regarding litter are more difficult to control, however, this proposal falls within an existing row of retail shops which has an existing litter bin to the front.”
Responding to fears of crime, police have said there only concern is for the security of a flat above the shop.
And fears the shop will effect house prices have been dismissed after planning officers pointed out property values can not be considered by councillors when deciding applications.
In their recommendation to grant planning permission, council bosses say: “Impacts caused by odours and noise can be controlled through planning conditions. Other impacts including parking and highway safety would not be significantly different to those associated with the approved use.”
Sandwelll’s planning committee will discuss the application at a meeting on October 7.
