A Bedford convenience store and post office has submitted a fresh bid to add a pizza takeaway, two months after the council refused a similar plan.
The applicant’s planning statement says the retail use would remain in place alongside the takeaway.
Bedford Borough Council refused an earlier application for 108–112 Queens Drive in Putnoe in January.
The decision notice said the proposal was within walking distance of Hazeldene Primary School, and was therefore considered contrary to planning policy on healthier communities and national guidance on takeaways near schools.
The decision notice also said the scheme was refused because a noise impact assessment had not been submitted. Officers said there was insufficient information to demonstrate how cooking odours would be adequately controlled.
The new submission includes a noise report for the proposed kitchen extract system and says the takeaway would have restricted opening hours, with the applicant proposing 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 10pm Monday to Friday, and 7am to 10pm at weekends.
The applicant said these proposed opening hours would “avoid conflict with nearby school activity”. Adding that this would ensure a “balanced relationship with surrounding residential uses”.
The earlier refusal was issued under delegated powers. The officer’s report said eight neighbours were consulted on that application, and no representations were received.
More information can be found on the council’s planning portal, reference 26/00471/FUL.
The overall consultation expiry date is Tuesday, 14 April.
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
