Concerns over vermin and fumes as city takeaway bids to extend opening hours

Residents have raised concerns over possible vermin and fumes after a Southampton takeaway applied to extend its opening hours.

Rio’s Piri Piri in Portswood Road has been met with objections as it seeks to extend its opening times into the early hours of the morning.

Currently, the business is open from 7.30am to 11.30pm Monday to Saturday and 7.30am to 11pm on Sunday.

But in a licence application submitted to the city council, it has asked permission to stay open between 11am and 2.30am Monday to Saturday and 11am to 1am on Sunday.

The takeaway hopes the changes would ‘improve the services to the customers and the area’.

But the proposals have been met with fierce backlash – from the Environment Agency and residents alike.

Objecting to the plans, a spokesperson from the Environment Agency said: “I do not believe that there are any other businesses in this area with the opening times proposed and therefore I do not believe it is correct to set a new precedent of extended opening hours.

“Residential properties above businesses and in the area will be affected by extended opening hours in this location from delivery vehicles and customers.”

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One resident also said there will be a ‘significant and unacceptable increase in fumes and odours’ emanating from the premises until the early hours if plans are approved.

They added: “Portswood Broadway already suffers from overflowing refuse bins onto the street.

“Most mornings there are, along the Broadway, empty or partly used takeaway cartons and empty cans of alcohol.

Another objector cited fears over attracting ‘more vermin’ to the high street adding: “There seems no good reason for Piri Piri be open any later."

“There would be more litter and vermin which we already have in our residential area.

“Also, problems could be caused from extractor fans discharging into the unadopted road at the back of the shops.

“This road backs directly on to the gardens of some of the houses in Abbotts Way including our own and those of our neighbours.

“If this application is not refused by the delegated powers, it should be referred to the planning committee.”