Leeds council chiefs block Easterly Road take-away conversion
The conversion of a Leeds ice cream parlour into a hot food take-away has been blocked by council chiefs.
Concerns were raised over the possible impact of noise and cooking smells on people living above the Easterly Road shop if permission was granted.
Leeds City Council said the positioning of extractor equipment would have an “overbearing” impact on residents.
A planning officer’s report said: “The proposed kitchen extractor would be positioned right next to an existing first floor rear-facing window that serves the flats above.”
Opening hours of 8am to 11.30pm were proposed for the new business, part of a parade of shops on the busy east Leeds road.
The applicant said the first-floor ceiling would be sound-proofed in line with building regulations.
But not enough information was given on how noise and odour would be controlled as part of the change-of-use planning application.
The report said: “There is a risk of noise and odour impacting upon the occupants in the flats above, particularly in the warmer months when residents tend to open windows for ventilation and cooling.”
A cafe and another take-away were already based in the parade, part of a mainly residential area.
The report said: “Peak levels of activity for such premises typically occur during evenings and weekends when residents generally have higher expectations for freedom from noise to enable relaxation and sleep.”