Objections raised on Swindon Premier store's application to double-up as take-away

A plan put forward by a Premier convenience store in Swindon to double-up as a hot food take-away has been withdrawn after local residents raise objections.

The owners of the Premier Store at Celcus Grove in Old Town, Swindon, applied to the local council to run the take-away between 10:00 and 02:00. Hours were later revised to end at 23:00 after the original time caused some disquiet, BBC reported.

The application showed that a small preparation and cooking area would be created in a new room at the front of the shop, with customers able to order and collect their food from an access hatch. The plan received about 51 public comments with the majority raising strong objections.

One objection from a member of public said, “To have a fast-food take-away at the Premier shop would be a nightmare for residents. We already have problems with teenagers/young people buying vapes from there, sitting smoking by bin stores and leaving their rubbish behind, breaking doors, graffiti and so on.

“We do not need to court any more of this by having a fast-food take-away opened until 2am. The shop is in the middle of a residential area we do not want to have the extra noise with cars etc that this would cause."

Another said, “I strongly object to the proposal. The plans indicate a serving hatch so customers would be waiting and chatting just a few feet from bedroom windows. Others too will be eating in cars, possibly with music playing."

South Swindon Parish Council also voiced concerns around noise pollution and a high risk of anti-social behaviour.