A planning application was submitted in May 2024 to convert the Magnum Wine Store at 210 Lyndhurst Drive, Hornchurch, into a hot food takeaway outlet.
Despite an initial refusal in July 2024, applicant Jasbir Singh lodged an appeal against Havering Council’s decision.
This appeal was dismissed by the planning inspectorate due to concerns about the effect of the proposal on the “health and wellbeing of residents”, particularly young people.
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The appeal decision letter notes that the shop is around 160m from Towers Infant School and 400m from Towers Junior School, and also close to the Frances Bardsey Academy.
Takeaway restaurants are not permitted within 400m of a school under the London Plan.
It added that the appeal was dismissed partly to “address the challenge of childhood obesity and contribute to the creation of healthier communities”.
The site on the corner of Lyndhurst Drive and Osborne Road was visited by inspector K Williams, appointed by the secretary of state, on April 8.
The inspector raised issues including the proposed takeaway’s opening hours, and potential noise and disturbance.
For instance, activities expected at a takeaway site such as deliveries arriving, customers coming and going and the closing of the shop could cause “harmful” levels of noise.
In the appeal decision letter, K Williams said: “The opening hours are still relatively late, and activity and noise would occur at a time when residents may be relaxing or trying to sleep.
“In this regard, the proposal would be at odds with the residential nature of the area and character of local centre.”
The initial plans submitted last year received backlash from residents nearby, with a total of 217 objections recorded.
These residents made comments on the noise disturbance noted in the appeal decision, as well as about odour, waste and antisocial behaviour.
