Plans to convert garage into food takeaway at Liverton Mines

Concerned residents had made representations to Redcar and Cleveland Council’s regulatory committee over the potential “significant” negative impact on the “small rural community” in Liverton Mines, near Loftus.

An application proposed the takeaway would open from 5pm to midnight seven days a week, while another element of the conversion would create a car valeting facility.

Barbara Sidgwick, an objector, told a meeting of the committee: “By 10.30pm the residents have retired for the night with nobody about, it is a quiet village.

“This will bring people in from outside the area and I worry about the noise.

“There will be extra vehicles coming and going.

“Nearby houses also back straight onto the property.”

She said the takeaway would create food waste and rubbish, attracting vermin, while it could also be a fire risk.

Another resident said there was already an “excellent, award winning” fish and chip shop just 100 yards away from the location in question in Liverton Terrace and the previous garage business was closed by 6pm.

Gordon Henderson, the agent acting on behalf of applicant Simon Brumwell, said the car showroom had operated for 40 years, but was currently empty and posed the risk of attracting anti-social behaviour.

Mr Henderson said the plans would comply with relevant legislation regarding noise and odours and the new venture would be self-contained with its own car parking spaces.

He said: “The change of use would make it commercially viable.

“It would also provide job opportunities for up to 12 local people.”

Planning committee chairman Councillor Tristan Learoyd suggested the takeaway’s hours should be reconsidered and revised by the applicant.

He said: “The concern is about the opening hours and the transformation of activity in the village.

“I am not comfortable with midnight every day of the week in this village for this purpose.”

Mr Henderson said: “My client considers these are the normal opening hours for this type of outlet.”

Councillor Stephen Martin said he could not see the need for the proposal and the takeaway element would be a nuisance to residents.

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He moved the application was rejected, although this did not receive sufficient votes to be successfully carried.

Councillor Stuart Smith, who was supportive of the plans stating they would bring an empty building back into use and create employment, said the application could be deferred so more suitable opening hours could be drawn up.

Cllr Learoyd suggested an earlier closing time – 10pm – would “dramatically reduce” any potential nuisance with councillors agreeing to a deferment in order that changes could be made.

A report for the committee said the application for a change of use involved minimal external alterations and would provide six car parking spaces to the west of the building.

It said a nearby pub was also open late at night with people moving around the area in the evening.

The report, which recommended approval, said: “As such due to the existing commercial use and neighbouring public house it is considered the proposed hot food use will not be out of keeping with the existing commercial use within the immediate area and is acceptable.”