PLANS for the extension of a Tiptree off licence to open a hot food takeaway has been met with objections.

Tiptree Parish Council discussed the planning application for the Tiptree Offie off licence in Maldon Road.

Councillors made the decision, after a debate, to say they would want the plans to be refused and will object to them. 

The plans look to introduce a part change of use from residential to hot food takeaway shop.

Gazette: Shop - outside the convenience store in Maldon RoadShop - outside the convenience store in Maldon Road (Image: Google)

The existing site has a three-bedroom home attached to it, with the plans looking to change the three-bedroom home to a two-bedroom flat and use the downstairs room as part of the off-licence.

In the discussion among councillors at the latest planning meeting, they discussed the suitability of the application.

Concerns were raised about the impact a hot food takeaway would have on the traffic flow in Maldon Road.

The road is said to already be “hindered due to parking for the current shop”.

The plans have received a total of 11 public objections so far, with many commenting on their worries about road safety if the plans are confirmed.

One member of the public said: “I was prompted to review this planning application having been inconvenienced yesterday by a complete obstruction across the road entrance by a parked vehicle.

Gazette: Office - outside the Tiptree Parish Council buildingOffice - outside the Tiptree Parish Council building (Image: Google)

“The second time in less than a year, and I am only an occasional visitor.

“Such inconsiderate activities will only get worse if this application is approved.”

A spokesman for Tiptree Parish Council said: “After discussion, it was unanimously Resolved that Tiptree Parish Council objects to this application.

“The council is concerned that there is no mention of opening hours, waste, and litter management, extraction of food smells or how deliveries to and from the premises would be managed.

“Traffic flow at this location is currently hindered due to parking for the current shop, an additional food takeaway at this location could cause further issues with the flow of traffic, especially near to the junctions with Kelvedon, Maldon and Church Roads.

“The plans show that there are six car parking spaces currently at the site, in practice only two of these spaces are usable.

“We also believe that the addition of a takeaway at this site constitutes overdevelopment.”

Colchester Council will have the final say.