Planners say ‘no’ to Muzzy’s Kebab van in Charnham Park, Hungerford

PLANNERS have refused permission for a kebab van in Hungerford’s Charnham Park.

A planning officer’s report acknowledged: “The site is adjacent a business park and is situated some 100m east of the nearest dwellings and, as such, it is considered there are no neighbouring amenities of concern.”

However, it went on: “The vending van and associated customers, either on foot or via a vehicle, would present additional obstructions which vehicles would be required to manoeuvre around.

“Furthermore, given the limited parking capacity of the adjacent business park, the presence of the van could encourage vehicles to park on the carriageway within the visibility splays of Cygnet Way and Swangate.

“In addition, the 2m wide footway would be obstructed.”

Several members of the public had attended a meeting of Hungerford Town Council’s environment and planning committee in January to express their opposition.

Town mayor Helen Simpson said at the time: “It’s a no go as far as I’m concerned; we’ve got quite a lot of independent food outlets in the High Street already.

“In the current climate it would be wrong of this committee to approve a food van and not support our existing independent businesses.”

Town councillor James Cole agreed: “This is not good for the centre of Hungerford.”

The committee agreed to lodge a formal objection with planners.

In refusing the application, the officer’s report added: “Having taken due consideration of the submitted drawings, proposal details, site conditions, and public responses, it is deemed the proposed siting and use of a hot food vending van in this application is not acceptable.”