Controversy bubbles up over proposal to change use of former cycle shop to hot food premises

 

The property at the centre of the rumpus

A PROPOSAL to change the use of a former bicycle shop in Cleethorpes seems to have sparked a bit of a brouhaha.

Opposition  to the plan to convert 21 High Street  to a restaurant and hot food takeaway has largely been along the lines that this part of town already has sufficient  similar premises.

But a resident of Brooklands Avenue maintains that objectors are generally those who have interests in other takeaways and thus do not want further competition.

In a forthright submission to North East Lincolnshire Council, she writes: "I give my full and unequivocal support to this application.

"This unit has been left empty for years, serving no purpose whatsoever. 

"An empty shop does nothing for the High Street except signal decline, neglect and a lack of ambition.

"The objections raised are transparent and self-serving. 

"It is common knowledge locally that the majority of takeaways along this stretch are owned or controlled by a very small number of individuals. 

"This is about suppressing competition, pure and simple."

She continues: "The planning system should not be hijacked to protect monopolies or personal interests.

"Many of the existing operations offer extremely poor-quality food and service, contributing little to the reputation of the area.

"If operators are worried about competition, the answer is to raise standards, not attempt to block new entrants through questionable objections.

"Cleethorpes does not benefit from empty shops, cartel behaviour or scare tactics - it benefits from new businesses, fair competition, and progress."

The application is under consideration by NELC's planning department with a decision expected before Easter.