Plans to convert a former butcher’s shop in Dumbarton into a new fish and chip shop have hit a roadblock as planning officers recommend refusal due to a lack of off-street parking. The application by Glasgow AP Ltd involves changing the use of the former Thomas Smith & Son shop on Glasgow Road to a hot food takeaway. The proposed conversion would also include fitting a flue for the takeaway.
The planning officers at West Dunbartonshire Council have flagged concerns about the potential impact of the chip shop on parking in the area. They fear that the shop’s operation without adequate off-street parking could lead to increased on-street parking, obstructive parking, and congestion, posing risks to road and pedestrian safety.
The site in question, located at the junction of Glasgow Road and Wallace Street, is within a Local Centre designated area and falls within the Knoxland Conservation Area. Despite having received support from 17 individuals, objections to the proposal have been raised by seven others. Concerns include the visual impact on the surroundings, noise pollution from late hours of operation, and potential anti-social behaviour.
West Dunbartonshire Council Roads Service has not supported the proposal, citing the absence of five required off-street parking spaces. The Environmental Health Service, on the other hand, has offered no objections with the condition of controlling odour, vibration, and noise from the takeaway. The application is scheduled to be discussed at the upcoming planning committee meeting on December 11.
The applicants argue that the chip shop would bring footfall and tourism to the area, supporting local businesses. They also highlight the lack of fish and chip shops between Silverton and the town centre, suggesting the new establishment would fill a gap in the market. The final decision on the conversion rests with the planning committee, taking into consideration the various objections and support for the proposal.
In summary, plans to convert a former butcher’s shop into a fish and chip takeaway in Dumbarton face rejection due to concerns over parking and potential safety issues. The decision, set to be made at an upcoming council meeting, will weigh the benefits of the new establishment against the objections raised by residents and council services.