Councillor’s ambitious plans to extend chip shop empire hindered by concerns over ‘kebab and pizza’ offerings
A proposal by Ceredigion councillor Matthew Vaux to expand his chip shop business to a neighbouring village has sparked mixed reactions among locals. The plans involve building replacement shops, including a new chip shop, and a residential flat in Cross Inn near New Quay. Councillor Vaux, who already owns the Captain’s Rendezvous chip shop in New Quay, aims to introduce a fast-food outlet that could operate until 10pm. While some support the scheme for economic reasons and the need for local housing, others raise concerns about potential noise and disturbance from selling kebabs and pizzas late at night.
The Parc Y Pant Produce Shop site, where the proposed development would take place, previously underwent a change of use approved in 2023 to accommodate a replacement shop and a two-bedroom flat. During that application, Councillor Vaux highlighted the demand for local housing, particularly in an area that has seen a decline in the number of children residing there. The addition of a fast-food outlet in the latest proposal has stirred further debate among residents and stakeholders.
Local opposition to the plans emphasises fears of increased roadside parking leading to traffic congestion and safety risks. Concerns about odours, noise, and potential disturbances from a fast-food takeaway have been raised by those against the development. They point out the presence of two existing takeaway businesses in the village and numerous similar facilities in nearby New Quay, less than two miles away. Issues regarding traffic congestion and pedestrian safety have been highlighted, with worries about emergency response times and overall highway safety.
Critics of the proposal also highlight the potential for on-road parking congestion, which could exacerbate existing parking problems in the village. The objection particularly raises concerns about the impact of a fast-food takeaway on highway safety and pedestrian access, especially during peak times. The focus on the addition of kebabs and pizzas to the menu offering further fuels apprehensions about noise levels and disturbances late at night. The objections underscore the need to carefully consider the implications of such developments on the local community and infrastructure.
The upcoming review by county planners will be crucial in determining the fate of the proposed expansion of Councillor Vaux’s chip shop empire. The decision will weigh economic benefits against potential social and environmental impacts, taking into account the concerns raised by residents and stakeholders. The ongoing dialogue surrounding the application underscores the importance of community engagement and careful urban planning in balancing economic growth with quality of life issues.
As local authorities navigate development proposals like these, the need for transparent decision-making and a balance between economic opportunities and community well-being becomes increasingly essential. The case of Councillor Vaux’s chip shop expansion serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges faced in sustainable urban development. The outcome of this planning application will not only shape the local landscape but also set a precedent for future developments in the region.