McAskill helps get takeaway plan binned

A CONTROVERSIAL application for a takeaway shop in Meadowbank which drew objections from Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has been refused.

The MSP for Edinburgh East joined with 29 locals in lodging an objection to a change of use application to form a hot food takeaway within a former butcher’s shop on the corner of Parsons Green Terrace.

In his letter to planners, Mr MacAskill wrote: “A takeaway would cause disturbance to neighbouring residents in terms of noise, litter, loitering and possible antisocial behaviour.”

Planning committee members sided with Mr MacAskill and his fellow objectors in refusing the application.

They expressed concerns about the detrimental nature of the proposal on the quality of life in the community and added that there were too many takeaway shops in the area already.