THERE will be no support for an Indian takeaway in Temple Street from Sidmouth Town Council after its planning chairman decided it could not support such plans.

THERE will be no support for an Indian takeaway in Temple Street from Sidmouth Town Council after its planning chairman decided it could not support such plans.

With less than a third of its planning committee present to discuss Shairem Haider's application to turn the former Temple Street News into a takeaway, Councillor Ian Mackenzie-Edwards faced having to make a 'chairman's decision' or defer discussion until its next meeting.

Following guidance from council chairman Councillor Peter Sullivan - who, as a tenant above the shop, declared a prejudicial interest and left the chamber - he chose to hear the views of three remaining councillors after two others left after declaring interests.

"I think you are making the right decision," said Councillor Jeffrey Turner, who felt there was insufficient information regarding the discharging of fumes away from adjoining properties.

While difficult to object to a change of use, certain conditions needed to be met, he said.

The premises are "sandwiched between residential homes so there has to be provision to take away any smells and fumes from it."

Councillors Mary Jolly and Sylvia Carr agreed there would be problems with cars parking outside the property, adding to congestion already experienced in Temple Street.

"People are loathed to walk if they can just leave their car," said Mrs Jolly, who added: "With so many residents around there, smells would be an issue."

Mrs Carr said many residents were against the application.

She was concerned about the long opening hours (5pm to midnight) when neighbours were trying to sleep and issues regarding the shared use of an alleyway by the applicant for storage and residents for access.

Sidmouth has two Indian takeaways nearer the town centre.

Twelve letters of objection were received by the council, citing increased traffic and parking problems, emission of smells, restricted access, night-time noise, pedestrian congestion on a narrow path, loss of amenities and loss of property values.

Resident David Ambrose, who has been urging neighbours to make objections to East Devon District Council's planning officers, writes: "I have been advised by a local estate agent that with the closeness of an Indian takeaway the value of our property would decrease considerably, as would be the effect to all nearby properties."

Mr Mackenzie Edwards said: "We are not lacking in takeaways in Sidmouth. This is an extra business of that nature and there is no pressing need for it.

"My decision is I am unable to support it.