Chinese takeaway plan for Hilton in Inverness turned down

AN application to convert an Inverness betting shop to a Chinese takeaway has been refused by Highland Council after concern from several neighbouring residents.

Mr S Dougan of Dougan UK applied for change of use last year, but the planning committee has ruled that the application does not demonstrate that there would be no impact on neighbouring residential amenity due to noise.

The decision added that the application also did not show that any mitigation can be provided "to ensure the continued safety and security currently enjoyed by neighbouring properties."

A further reason is that the proposal for the shop unit at 12 Hilton Village fails to demonstrate that there are appropriate levels of parking to accommodate additional vehicular trips from customers and deliveries.

The unit, near Kintail Crescent, shares the Hilton Village complex with a community centre, offices, flats, shop and chip shop.

A council report states that the empty unit is currently currently being fitted out for use as an office by the housing service, and "It should therefore be highlighted that even if consent is granted it cannot be implemented."

There were four letters from residents voicing concerns about the potential for noise, smells and fumes, litter, anti-social behaviour, increased traffic and lack of parking.

JMB Design on behalf of the applicants said the preparation and cooking area would have had an extract ventilation system to comply with current Environment Health requirements.

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