Councillors have objected to fresh plans for an “inappropriate” 16ft food van in a Wiltshire town after a heated debate.
Munchies, a 16ft catering van selling burgers, chips, chicken, lamb, and breakfast, has applied to start trading on Easton Lane, between Methuen Park and the junction with Saltersford Lane.
This follows another application for a 16ft Munchies van on the Bath Road Industrial Estate, which councillors believe came from the same business and objected to.
At a planning committee meeting, town councillors objected to the latest proposal over concerns it would pose “safety and nuisance” issues.
Cllr Adam Ward said residents had already complained about existing issues with commercial vehicles in the Easton Lane area.
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He said: “This site was subject to a recent application to have double yellow lines down both sides.
“The reasoning behind that was that this was a place where various commercial vehicles had parked overnight.
“I think to approve this would be a slap in the face to the residents who raised those concerns because you end up supporting the possibility, so I think we should object.”
Cllr Nic Puntis added: “I don’t know if this is the same applicant that has chosen roads across the town but exactly the same applies, it’s a completely inappropriate place.
“I absolutely won’t be voting in favour of this, imagine the precedent it would set.”
Cllr David Poole argued the town council should make it clear food vans should not be stationed in residential areas.
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He said: “We as a town council should send a very clear message now.
“We do not want these fast food vans at the side of the road in or near residential areas and it’s high time we draw a line on this and really be firm and set a policy not to allow them.”
While councillors voted to object to the application, Cllr William Douglas was frustrated at this decision and argued against it.
He said: “I support this, there were comments made on the last type of application about litter which were proved not to be true at all.
“I’ve always objected to the High Street being blocked by traders, but I think this is well out the way and all the rest of these out of town establishments have been allowed.
“I don’t see any reason why we should object.”
A consultation on the street trading application remains ongoing and will close on Thursday, November 7, before Wiltshire Council makes a decision.
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