9:40am Tuesday 9th February 2010
By Helen Orrell
COLCHESTER’S “kebab alley” could be in line for more takeaways under changes to council planning policy.
Colchester Council is considering raising the number of non-retail shops allowed in certain parts of the town centre, including St Botolph’s Street.
Current planning rules state 60 per cent of units in St Botolph’s Street must be used for shops.
In addition, no more than two takeaways are allowed in a row.
But, the council’s Local Development Framework proposes lowering the shops-only ratio to 50 per cent in St Botolph’s Street, Head Street, High Street and St John’s Street, and raising the number of takeaways to three in a row.
Some councillors and residents fear the changes could open the floodgates for applications for more takeaways and bars in St Botolph’s Street, already a hotspot for fast food shops.
Andrew Ellis, Conservative spokesman for planning and regeneration, said: “I’m quite happy to promote a cafe culture and restaurant and bar culture, but not at the expense of being a prestigious retail centre.
“We know we are already losing shoppers to Ipswich and Chelmsford.
“I just feel this is another way of lowering the bar, and we might not be pleased with what we get. Too many takeaway resturants can lower the perceived quality of an area.”
Henry Spyvee, Castle ward councillor, said: “It obviously is a danger, but, at the same time, in some streets the shops are empty and a slightly lower limit might help bring them back into operation.
“I shall be watching this and the council will genuinely listen to what people have to say.”
Lyn Barton, councillor responsible for planning and regeneration, said: “We feel it gives the planning department greater flexibility and enables us to adopt a consistent approach, while maintaining the vitality and viability of the town centre. ”
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