A retrospective planning bid has staved off the immediate threat of enforcement action against a Montrose town centre takeaway.
Planning permission and listed building consent have now been sought by the operators of the Yummy Chinese takeaway after a number of local complaints about the neon transformation of the the former Shanghai restaurant on the High Street into a fast food outlet.
Opponents angered by the revamp of the premises at 160 High Street say the new look is too garish for the town centre conservation area and fear its position will lead to traffic and rubbish problems.
The unauthorised works triggered a planning enforcement notice over alterations to the listed building, including new signage, and the change of use from a restaurant to takeaway.
However, enforcement will remain on hold until Angus councillors consider applications which have now been lodged by the takeaway owners, who believe the new business will not have any negative impact on the Montrose street scene.
Objections submitted to the authority have branded the Yummy’s neon sign as “too big and flashy for the middle of town”, and inappropriate for a listed building.
Another objector, Frances Walker said: “There are already three hot food Chinese takeaways on the High Street and if they change use that would be too many.
“Number 160 is next to traffic lights. In my opinion this will cause traffic congestion and certain danger.
“In the evening there will be high foot traffic entering and existing the shop, producing a lot of rubbish.”
In a supporting statement, applicant Mr Kai Chen has said the internal changes have involved the replacement of units installed around 20 years ago and the installation of a new wheelchair ramp and disabled toilet.
He added: “Overall, we consider that the proposed changes are minor in nature and it…will not affect the outlook/amenity of any neighbouring property as the High Street already has mixture of diversity signage and will have negligible impact on the street scene.
“We therefore request the planning authorities to consider these works to be acceptable.”
A determination deadline of April 6 has been set for the application.
