Plans for big name restaurant cause uproar in town

People have expressed their anger after an application to turn a Tile Giant into a KFC was submitted. The plans, which have been submitted by Savills on behalf of Hattersley Centre S.A.R.L, propose for a change of use to the current building, on Burscough Road, in Ormskirk, from a tile merchants to a restaurant/ takeaway.

In its application Hattersley Centre S.A.R.L state the KFC restaurant will "meet a market and locational requirement for a small-scale food and beverage facility". It is also noted in the application that there is "only one food and beverage offer at Hattersley Centre, being Costa Coffee" that was granted planning permission in 2016.

The application, submitted to West Lancashire Borough Council also says the new restaurant would generate 14 full time jobs with the wages "maintaining and increasing disposable income in the borough, which will support other businesses within Ormskirk and its surrounds."

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However people in the local area have expressed their anger at the plans, with over 50 objections submitted online and dozens have also taken to social media with their concerns.

On Facebook one person wrote: "Ultimately its another nail in the coffin for the now grim town centre. Better planning, better local businesses support, free parking, lower rates would help Ormskirk. This will affect local food businesses in the town centre, further killing the town centre."

Another said: "There are enough restaurants and takeaways in Ormskirk as if we need another" and this was echoed by another local resident who wrote: "There's enough takeaways and restaurants in Ormskirk and close by. We do not need another one, everywhere is full of takeaways and all the local shops are disappearing."

A number of residents living on Yew Tree Road in Ormskirk have submitted objections to the application online. Hannah Hornby said in her objection: "This would bring rodents, too much traffic to an already busy junction and it would bring anti-social behaviour as the takeaways are open late and attract youths. The surrounding residential area is full of young families who do not need this. We do not want our children to be playing in their own gardens with rats and litter."

Another resident Steve Wisset expressed his concern about the level of rubbish the proposed KFC could cause to nearby properties. Within his objection he wrote: "The properties along Yew Tree road already have their hedges and boundaries used as litter bins by passing pedestrians, the success of this proposed application would almost definitely see these properties bombarded with KFC rubbish including chicken carcasses which would be a rodents paradise. With young children living in the area one would assume the council would not wish to be responsible for vermin related disease in the area. I totally object to this application."

Marie Cribb also objected to the plans on the basis of increase in traffic and the opening hours of 8am until 11pm. She wrote: "Yew Tree Road is already used as a 'rat run' for the businesses on this estate and the increase of traffic along a narrow road would pose a greater threat than it does already. The proposed opening times would seriously impact on the already busier traffic times while parents are dropping children at the local schools. The proposed closing time of 11pm would cause disturbance for the residents who are sleeping."

In its application Hattersley Centre said the development "will not have any impact upon neighbouring residential dwellings located to the south of the site, on Burscough Street." The applicant has also added "there will be no adverse impact to neighbouring residential dwellings."

The applicant also wrote: "In addition, the submitted Transport Statement confirms that the proposal will not result in any significant adverse impacts upon the operation of the existing highway network, nor will it result in any impact on highway safety."

Some people have supported the application. Karen Horrocks wrote a letter in support of the plans and said: "This would be a great addition to our town . New businesses, another place to go and more jobs."

And Marie Winders also sent a letter of support. She wrote: "I fully support the proposal of a KFC at this site. This will no doubt generate employment in an area where employment is needed. Many people I feel will visit there whilst shopping at the local stores."

Also some on Facebook were happy about the proposed plans. One woman said: "I think it's a great idea, especially if it's a restaurant that's offering a bit of fine dining." While another said: "I live around the corner and I think it's a good idea there is plenty parking near. No-one wanted the gym here, yet that has proven itself with no problems and it's open 24/7."