Plans for Smith's Wood takeaway divide local opinion

COUNCILLORS have been urged to throw out proposals to open a new takeaway in Smith’s Wood.
Paul’s Stores, in Rathlin Croft, has applied for planning permission to turn part of the existing convenience store into a hot food outlet.
The plans have divided local opinion, with more than 50 residents leaving comments on Solihull Council’s website.
Many are concerned that the takeaway, which would open until 10pm weeknights and 10.30pm on Saturdays, will lead to littering, parking problems and anti social behaviour in a mostly residential area.
Ian Davison wrote: “The litter in the area is already too much and this will make it worse. No amount of bins will solve the problem.”
Evelyn Hitchman added: “It will bring more traffic to our busy side roads and encourage groups of people to congregate late at night, which can be very unnerving to some of our residents.”
However, others are firmly in favour of the plans and argue that a takeaway would be convenient for families who have to rely on public transport.
Tracy Cater said: “I think it is a brilliant idea. It will be very convenient for those in the area that do not have car.”
Solihull Council’s planning officers have recommended that the application be refused, drawing comparisons with a similar scheme in Wheatcroft Drive, Chelmsley Wood, which was dismissed in February last year.
Among the local authority’s main objection is that opening a takeway so close to Solihull College’s Woodlands Campus would undermine attempts to encourage young people to eat more healthily.
Councillors will consider the application at their meeting on Wednesday evening (October 1).