Plans for a new take-away in Ellon are expected to be approved despite concerns the town is becoming a “super fast food take-away highway”.
Gorkem Gorur has applied to Aberdeenshire Council in a bid to change part of the Greens of Ellon shop into a hot food outlet.
The unit was created during the refurbishment of the former Costcutter store in 2019.
But the proposal has not proven popular with some locals…
Eight residents wrote to the local authority to voice their objections.
What are the complaints about the new Ellon take-away?
Those against the plan raised concerns about litter, odour and road safety.
They also believe that Ellon has enough fast food outlets and does not need any more.
In her letter to the council, Fiona Mills said the town needed “the type of retail that will keep shoppers in Ellon”.
She added: “[We need] Small businesses and market traders with a variety of goods rather than yet another takeaway.
“Make Ellon somewhere to be proud of visiting and being a part of, not the super fast food take-away highway.”
Road concerns raised
Another objector, Graham Booth, said: “It’s a dangerous area already, and a new take-away will just make it worse – causing more problems to the public.”
David Brown raised worries about the takeaway’s location leading to potential accidents.
He said: “Where the premises is located is a hazard pinch point with road traffic coming from several directions.
“This could increase the risk of accidents, given there would be increased numbers of people visiting the premises and having to cross roads to access their vehicles in the nearby car parks.”
However one resident, Joseph Gray, backed the proposal and said it would be “great to have the unit filled and increase the choice available in the town”.
Why are Ellon take-away plans recommended for approval?
Council planners have recommended that the proposal be approved.
They believe the change of use would “add to the area’s character” by having the new business in the town centre.
They also argued that the new outlet would add to Ellon’s footfall and increase local employment.
The application will be considered by the Formartine area committee on Tuesday, April 26.
It comes weeks after Aberdeenshire Council confirmed plans for new offices in the heart of Ellon.
