Widney Sports to become takeaway

CLOSED Widney Sports in Bentley Heath will become a restaurant and takeaway despite concerns about parking.

     
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Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council has given planning permission to Mahboob Alam for a change of use of the unit to a restaurant and takeaway.

Some 12 comments were sent to the council opposing the plan – next to the Co-op supermarket - with none in support.

William Lord wrote: “The development is likely to result in inconsiderate and dangerous on street and foot way parking, which would be exacerbated by the lack of allocated parking spaces.”

He also said it “would cause harm to the amenities currently enjoyed by the occupiers of the nearby residential properties particularly by the general disturbance, noise, smells and litter”.

Marianne Hall said: “The proposed opening times will cause more traffic congestion in an already congested area.

“The opening time of 1730 is during the busiest time when many people are using the co-op on their return journey from work.”

Sarah Dickson said it will “lead to increased traffic on an already busy road which is home to many families with children”.

She said: “This could well lead to lives being further put at risk.”

But, in a response published on the council’s website, Mr Alam said its 5.30pm to 10.30pm opening is in “off peak hours”.

Permission has been given for 5pm to 10.30pm Monday to Friday; 5pm to 11pm on Saturday and 5pm to 9.30pm on Sunday.

He later said a traffic survey found demand is highest at 6pm to 7pm but the “peak dining time” will be 7pm to 9pm.

The business will have no lorry deliveries and 11 more spaces will be available to the back of the venue for customers only, he said.

Mr Alam said: “I have witnessed the busy nature of the front car park during the afternoon.

“Please be assured that I do not wish to add to this congestion and therefore my business will not be active during these hours.”

He pledged “the highest quality filtration systems” for its kitchen and said: “I would like to create a restaurant that the local community want to dine at and are proud of.”

To view the application and comments in full click here and enter 2013 and 2103 in the two boxes.

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