Tax revolt threat over takeaway (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Tax revolt threat over takeaway

2:57am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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Residents are threatening to withhold their council tax after it emerged it could be spent on parking outside a new takeaway which is now set to open despite their angry objections.

In what has been described as a "complete fiasco" the Council has agreed to pay for a two-car layby to be built for people using a new takeaway in Wrose Road, Wrose, Bradford.

Against the advice of their own officers, and despite concerns over increased traffic, councillors voted in favour of the application.

That was only after it went before the same planning panel for a second time because proposals for an £80,000 traffic calming scheme were not taken into account.

The application was passed earlier this month, subject to opening time restrictions and a parking bay being built.

It is understood the money for the layby will come from Council coffers - a decision which has outraged residents.

Campaigners have described the Council's decision as "ludicrous" and "disgusting" and say they will consider not paying their tax to Bradford Council.

Pam Sandiforth, of Low Ash Road, Wrose, said: "I don't see why we should pay our council tax. It is the council that is footing the bill for this parking place and our money goes to them.

"Why should we pay for a parking bay for a takeaway that we didn't want in the first place? It is ludicrous."

Nicola Brame, 35, whose home in Oakdale Drive backs on to the semi-detached building earmarked for the take away, said: "I feel Bradford Council has only allowed this because they said yes originally without checking with their highways department."

Bradford Councillor Vanda Greenwood sits on the Shipley Area Planning Panel which heard the application in January and again earlier this month.

At the first meeting, the Labour councillor pointed out the traffic calming scheme, which is set to start in the next few months, and the effect it would have on the busy road. She said: "It is a fiasco and has been from the beginning. The only people who have lost out are the residents."

Peter Bridgman, Shipley Area Planning Officer, said: "There is a launderette next door to the proposed takeaway and anybody visiting would also benefit from the parking spaces.

"Waiting restrictions are being considered for the parking bay."

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