Local residents join Cllr Justin Tomlinson & Cllr Peter Stoddart as they
celebrate victory at Planning last night.
Campaigners are celebrating after councillors turned their noses up at plans for a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in North Swindon.
Residents of Ash Brake turned out in force to hear whether KFC would be allowed to open a drive-thru restaurant at the entrance to their estate on Thamesdown Drive.
And although the planning committee did not make a final decision on the application councillors made it clear they were firmly against the idea.
To make sure they would be able to defend their decision against any appeal by the fast food company councillors deferred the application so that they could put together a strong case.
Barrie Card was one of many delighted residents after the meeting.
"I am elated that the committee saw the sense to listen to the local residents and vote in our favour," he said.
"A drive-thru restaurant would encourage litter, pollution and noise.
"It should not be in the middle of a quiet residential area."
Residents had packed the council chamber, clapping and cheering during the debate.
And several had asked questions about the plans, which also include an application to build a car repair garage on the same vacant site.
Coun Justin Tomlinson (Con, Abbey Meads), who last week organised a public meeting about the development, had asked the committee to at least consider deferring its decision until members had a chance to visit the site.
But he was overjoyed when the councillors showed they were firmly against the plans.
"I am absolutely delighted," said Coun Tomlinson after the meeting.
"This shows that the council is prepared to listen to local people's concerns.
"Common sense has prevailed to protect this quiet residential area from needless development."
And he was happy that a final decision had been delayed to make sure the right reasons were given for refusing the application.
"It is right and proper as we would not want to lose an appeal, being so close to victory," he said.
"This is a great night for local residents."
Evening Advertiser 25/05/05
"This result is a fantastic reward for all the hard work of the local residents who have helped join our campaign. The letters of objection, petition, public meeting and questions at Planning sent a clear message of objection. This helped gain a cross party support at the Planning meeting (with the exception of one bargain bucket Labour Councillor).
On the night myself, and Cllr Peter Stoddart used our speeches to send a clear message to the Planning Committee, and this was supported by objections from both Blunsdon & Haydon Wick Parish Council, and local residents.
Whilst we must be mindful that there is still much work to be done on tieing the legal loose ends, a clear message has been sent out. I will keep local residents informed of any progress."
Councillor Justin Tomlinson
Stop Press! - Haydon Wick Lib Dems Complain About Campaign!
Clueless local Lib Dems have slammed the campaign to fight the KFC application.
The Lib Dem candidate for Haydon Wick in the last 2 elections supported the application, describing the KFC facility as a 'family facility' and a 'meeting place for teenagers'.
Thank God the Liberals are nothing more than a wasted vote, who are never seen outside of election time!