Lib Dems condemn planning decision to allow another takeaway in Bagshot.

1.04.19pm GMT Thu 16th Nov 2006

Bagshot Does Not Need Another Takeaway!

News that Surrey Heath Borough Council's planning committee has granted permission to turn a former High Street video shop into a pizza parlour in Bagshot has been condemned by Bagshot Liberal Democrats.

Despite a petition with 233 signatures and an objection from Windlesham Parish Council, the planning committee upheld their planning officers recommendation and granted permission for another pizza takeaway to open next door to an existing one!

Cllr Bryan Ward, who represents Bagshot at Surrey Heath Borough Council and Windlesham Parish Council, said "I would just like to point out that Bagshot already has eight public houses, three Chinese takeaways, three Indians, two fish and chip shops, one pizza, two cafes and five restaurants. That is 50% of the retail units in Bagshot. I think that shows we do not need another takeaway outlet and certainly not another pizza takeaway when there is another one next door."

Bagshot Liberal Democrat Focus team member ,Paul Hutchinson said "This is a depressing decision by the planners. We are losing the variety of shops that makes a village viable and attractive. We do not need another takeaway - what we need is a real shop!"

Observers of planning matters will see this as another example of the limited power of local planning committees to reflect concerns of communities about the development of their own areas. However, residents will note that no less than four Conservative councillors abstained in the vote, avoiding their responsibility to make the decisions they were elected to make.