TAKEAWAY OPENING TO BE 'REJECTED'

Newcastle East Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman Greg Stone's efforts to block the opening of a hot food takeaway at Cochrane Park look set to pay off, as the city council has advised it intends to reject the application for a new takeaway at Red Hall Drive.

Greg, who is also ward councillor for the Cochrane Park area, said: "Many residents in the Dimbula Gardens and Red Hall Drive areas have contacted the Lib Dem councillors for North Heaton to express concern about the scheme.

"There is already a problem with parking and litter associated with the nearby shops, particularly at lunchtimes, and we shared local concerns that a further hot food outlet would add to the situation.

"There is also a large student hall nearby and a takeaway could potentially lead to more food litter in the area if people chose to eat takeaways on their way home - it is not unknown for the remains to end up dumped on the street or in gardens rather than in litter bins."

However, Greg has warned that the battle may not be won just yet, as a number of similar cases have been overturned on appeal to the national Planning Inspector in Bristol.

"I am aware of at least two cases in the Newton Road area of the ward where residents and councillors have objected and the council has refused the application, only for it to be overturned by an unelected bureaucrat in the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol. Local views should be paramount in this process," said Greg.