A HELENSBURGH businessman’s plans to open up an indoor street food market have run into opposition from people living near the site.
James Steel has submitted plans seeking permission for a “change of use” for one of the units at Gavinburn Business Park, on Dumbarton Road in Old Kilpatrick.
Mr Steel is proposing a contact-free drive-through, takeaway, home-delivery and live music venue in part of the building, which was used as a bus depot until the late 1990s.
He previously set up Cube Life, described as “an alternative performance and events space” in East Clyde Street in Helensburgh.
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He said: “The building is very old and was only made for one purpose, so we are trying to give it a new life for the public and the area.”
Mr Steel also plans to upcycle old shipping containers from his removal business to decorate the area.
But people living nearby have voiced concern at the plans, and eight objections have been published on West Dunbartonshire Council’s website so far.
One of them, Janice Hall, said: “The thought of any event taking place, not only in the past, but with these restrictions in place not only fills me with dread, it also terrifies me.
"We are a quiet residential village. I want to ensure that this event and planning application isn’t allowed to be approved as we have many elderly residents along with many frail people due to illness.
“This event would clearly cause major disruption to a lovely town living in constant fear.”
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According to Mr Steel’s application documents, the unit where he proposes to locate the street food market was most recently used as an indoor football pitch.
In his written submission to the council, David McGonigle, who lives in nearby Roman Crescent, said: “The shed roofs on this site are populated by hundreds of seagulls, for nesting and breeding, causing local residents to clean resultant mess from their cars, drives and patios on a daily basis.”
Mr Steel responded: “I understand that the residents may be fearful, but anything that goes there will be an improvement to what is there currently.
“I hope that the residents will see that the event will benefit the area by creating jobs and improving the surroundings.”
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