100s object to restaurant plan

More than 300 people have objected to a restaurant being opened opposite elderly people's bungalows in the heart of Cheslyn Hay amid fears about the impact on the village.

A decision on whether an empty shop in High Street can be turned into an unlicensed Indian restaurant seating up to 60 diners is expected to be made by South Staffordshire Council next Tuesday. Concerns were voiced by people living nearby, customers of a Chinese restaurant next door and Cheslyn Hay Parish Council about a lack of parking close by.

The nearest car park is 300 metres away.

But planning experts at South Staffordshire Council have advised the district council's regulatory committee to grant permission for the change of use.

A report to the committee by officers said: "It is appreciated that no parking exists with the premises but on-street parking exists along the High Street and a number of public car parks are scattered within close proximity of the site."

A 340-name petition was submitted to the district council voicing concerns about a lack of parking, the possibility of it attracting youths, litter and noise.

It said there were only six or seven spaces outside the restaurant and claimed it could lead to illegal parking on what is a busy road through the village.

Planning officers suggested various conditions be imposed limiting the opening hours to 11am to 11pm as the applicant had proposed it being open until midnight during the week and until 12.30am Friday and Saturday.

The restaurant would be on the ground floor and the upstairs would be left empty. Another condition has been suggested stipulating there is no takeaway service.

The shop, next to Gold Leaf Chinese takeaway, was last used as a carpet shop and was a general store for many years.