Pizza takeaway next to school given go-ahead

A CONTROVERSIAL pizza takeaway shop next door to a school has been given planning permission by a tight margin.

American chain Papa John's had asked Bristol City Council for change of use permission to convert the former music shop Sound/Vision/Soul at 174B Cheltenham Road to a hot food takeaway shop.

Ward councillor Gus Hoyt (Green, Ashley) referred the application to yesterday's development control committee, amid concerns about its proximity to Colston's Girls' School.

He also raised concerns about litter and said the shop front would not be in keeping with the surrounding conservation area.

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Another objection came from Dr Jon Rogers, deputy leader of the council and the Lib Dem mayoral candidate, who said the takeaway would be "potentially harmful to children's health".

In total there were 21 objections, as well as a petition with 129 signatures.

Valerie Lusmore, whose son Michael lives above the proposed shop, spoke at the meeting.

She said the effect of food preparation and food delivery for at least 13 hours a day would adversely affect people in nearby homes.

James Edwards of Colliers International, which is working as the agent for Papa John's, spoke in favour of the plans. He said the takeaway would provide employment for 20 people and would not harm the character of the area.

Mr Edwards also said it would not alter or influence the behaviour of the public towards healthy eating due to the abundance of other food and drink uses on the road.

He pointed out that Papa John's had agreed not to offer over the counter sales at school closing times, from 3pm to 6pm.

Councillors were split when making their decision.

Two voted to approve it, while two were against, and one abstained. Vice-chairman Mahmadur Khan, (Lab, Eastville) who was standing in for the chairman, gave the deciding vote in favour of approval.