Rumbles Fish Bar, in Badwell Ash, near Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, withdraws its planning application to retain a takeaway shelter

Plans by a village fish and chip shop between Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket to retain an ‘eyesore’ takeaway shelter have been withdrawn.

Rumbles Fish Bar, in The Street, Badwell Ash, had applied to Mid Suffolk District Council for planning permission to retain a roof structure which provides shelter for takeaway order customers.

Construction of the wooden canopy, to the front of the outlet, was finished in October.

A supporting statement submitted to planners said: “The structure, already constructed, has been designed and built to complement the existing shop in both appearance and functionality while ensuring minimal visual and environmental impact on the surrounding area.

“The installation of the canopy addresses a practical need for customers to have a comfortable and sheltered space while waiting for their takeaway orders, particularly during adverse weather conditions.”

However, the district council’s planning enforcement team said it had a live case at the address, while an officer from the council’s environmental health department questioned whether the number of benches and tables under the shelter would encourage customers to stay and eat outside, rather than just wait for their takeaway orders.

The officer said: “To ensure noise from numbers of persons consuming food is not an issue to local residents, I would suggest a condition for a noise management plan, ensuring the use is primarily for ordering/waiting for food.”

Suffolk County Council Highways had submitted a holding objection to the scheme, on the grounds the roof of the shelter could be located over maintainable highway – which could require a separate consent – and the proximity of the 30mph repeater sign to the shelter’s roof.

Badwell Ash Parish Council had recommended the scheme be opposed on grounds including the shelter’s ‘poor quality’ design and installation and its impact on the streetscape.

The parish council also called for the removal of fairy lights ‘not in keeping’ with The Street.

An objection comment submitted to planners described the ‘crude structure’ as an an ‘eyesore’.