Welwyn Garden City: Fish and chip shop plans called in

The plans, submitted by Grieg Hutchinson, would see the old Handside Post Office in Marsden Road become a takeaway.

The proposal has now been called in after a number of objections, with Marsden Road residents raising issues with nearby parking.

"The parking by the shop is a nightmare," said one resident.

"There needs to be proper parking spaces put in to support the extended use of these shops as it is already a danger for local people that use it. Putting a chip shop there is great in theory but it will cause more chaos."

"We have seen the road get busier and busier with through traffic made worse by cars using the road as a short cut because they cannot turn right at Stanborough Road," said another resident, who has lived on the road for 35 years.

Here's what resident think of the Handside fish and chip shop plans. (Image: Canva)

"A fast food outlet would increase traffic and put even more pressure on already limited parking."

Another resident added: "There are numerous incidents of aggressive double parking outside the current shop premises and a it's matter of time before someone is injured."

Concerns were also raised regarding the smell, noise and litter that could be produced by the takeaway, but some did show their support for the plans.

"New businesses to the area should be encouraged, especially given that the unit has been empty for a number of years," said a Marsden Road resident.

"It's about time we don't have to travel to other side of town to get food," said another.

"Every other shopping precinct in Welwyn Garden City has either a fish and chip shop or some forms of take away," said a Springfields resident. 

"I would welcome one in this area where there are many elderly people who don't drive and taking public transport to the nearest available one would be ridiculous, you'd never get the food home hot."

The unit became vacant when the Post Office moved into the Nisa store in nearby Handside Lane in April 2019.