A pizza van may soon be setting up shop in a Sidford car park.

Sidmouth Town Council was asked to share its views by East Devon District Council (EDDC) on an trading licence application.

The owners of the pizza van, who are from Tiverton, are seeking permission to set up shop every Friday evening on the Church Street car park.

Town councillors were split with their vote, with eight in favour and eight against the proposal.

Concerns were raised about the van taking away business from the village’s chip shop and the effect on the already restricted parking.

There was also concern that the van would not be paying rates like the permanent Sidford businesses, although owners would pay EDDC some money to use the space.

Councillor Jack Brokenshire said: “In Sidford we have a fish and chip shop so what happens if this van comes?”

Cllr Dawn Manley added: “I think this council should be supporting local traders.”

Cllr Simon Pollentine argued the van would be in competition with three rate paying businesses that already sold pizza – the SPAR, pub and take-away shop.

Cllr Jeff Turner said EDDC needed to ‘level the playing field’ in terms of business rates.

But Cllr Michael Earthey said: “I think they can go hand in hand. For one day a week we should give the people of Sidford a choice.

“I wouldn’t say it’s anti-competitive.”