PROPOSALS for a hot food takeaway in Murton have been thrown out by council planners.

Last year, plans were lodged with Durham County Council to change the use of a unit at Beethoven House, off Church Lane, into a food business.

During consultation on the plans, ten objections were received from neighbours over a range of potential issues.

Concerns included increased traffic, noise and odour impacts, the proposed opening hours and the perceived “negative impact upon the area.”

In a statement submitted to the council, one neighbour suggested that the planned extraction unit would create “disgusting” smells and raised fears about the impact on amenity.

Another objector said there was already a “prominent number” of hot food takeaways within Murton and questioned the need for the development.

After considering submitted comments and evidence, Durham County Council’s planning department refused the application on March 19, 2021.

In a report, planners said the change of use, if approved, would result in the “introduction of a hot food takeaway in an inappropriate location.”

The application was also considered to clash with policies in the recently adopted County Durham Plan.

This included the proposed site being located outside Murton’s designated shopping centre and the anticipated “adverse impact” on residents, if the plans were approved.

The decision report reads: “The proposal is not located within a designated local shopping centre and by reason of its location and setting adjacent and in close proximity to residential properties would adversely impact upon the amenities of adjacent and nearby residents through the creation of odours, noise and disturbance.”

It adds: “Insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate that the proposal would not result in an unacceptable impact on the amenities of nearby occupants through noise, odour, disturbance and associated comings and goings arising from the proposed use.”

For more information on the application, visit Durham County Council’s planning portal and search reference: DM/20/02014/FPA