HUNDREDS of objectors have raised concerns over ‘ridiculous’ plans to open a new fish and chip shop in Dursley.

A petition has been submitted with 280 signatures against proposals to open the takeaway in Kingshill Road next door to Domino’s.

Applicant SP Catering wants to change the site from a retail unit to a food takeaway, which would be open from 11am to 11pm every day.

The property is the old Motor World auto parts store, which ceased trading in 2022.

Plans - which were submitted to Stroud District Council - also include installing new extraction and ventilation equipment plus external alterations.

However, the Kingshill shopping area already has four takeaways and the Oak At Kingshill pub.

In the petition, comments include ‘not necessary’, ridiculous’, ‘the town is already served by enough chip shops’ and ‘we don’t want another chippy!’.

Some people suggest it would be better to open a barbers shop while others argue another takeaway could ‘destroy’ existing local businesses.

People have also voiced their concerns about the impact on neighbours, parking and delivery problems.

However, one commenter in the petition suggested instead opening up a KFC.

The petition organiser - who didn’t wish to be named - told the Gazette: “The general perception received from the public was that they simply do not want another takeaway and can’t see the need in the area.

“There is clear evidence that the community does not support this change of use.”

It comes after a health chief raised concerns over potential obesity issues as the proposed site is located opposite Rednock School.

A portion of the petition which has been submitted against the proposed takeaway - it has 280 signatures One resident says there are already problems with parking in Kingshill Road Responding to the plans, director of public health for Gloucestershire Siobhan Farmer urged SDC to consider the impact on healthy eating.

Other bodies including Gloucestershire Highways have no objections and Dursley Town Council is supporting the application saying it would ‘bring an empty unit back into use for business and employment’.

The street already has Domino’s, the Kings Garden Chinese takeaway, the Kingshill Takeaway kebab shop and the Great British fish and chips shop.

Tony Davey, chair of Stroud District Chamber of Trade, told the Gazette: “Situations like this spring up across our towns from time to time.

“Generally it’s not wise to open duplicated businesses within very short distances of each other if there is not sufficient catchment to support them all, but diversity of businesses in a similar area can help support trade for each other.

“If there is duplication, business can be fragmented and all businesses risk failure - no-one wins.

“The planning system is somewhat limited in how this can be controlled, with somewhat recent changes in planning regulation allowing easier transition from one type of premises use to another.

“‘We don’t want another’ is rarely an objection that can be upheld past an appeal, but other issues such as around environmental impact, a significant change in use or easily evidenced infrastructure issues can be valid objections for refusal if they meet the criteria.”

The applicant says the new unit would generate greater footfall and trade for the road and would also remove a ‘dead frontage’.

A planning document reads: “The takeaway will operate similar opening hours to others located there, generating a number of jobs recruited from the area.

“The proposed use would further support the vitality and viability of the area by reinstating an active use in its remaining vacant unit, removing a dead frontage and generating greater footfall and trade for both the day and evening economy making the parade along Kingshill Road an attractive place to visit and trade from.”

You can view the application quoting S.24/1273/FUL or see here - tinyurl.com/8craen95

It is understood that a decision on the application is expected to be made by council officials by November 29.

A spokesperson for SDC said it was awaiting revised information from the applicant which means a decision date cannot be made at this time.