Unpopular Chinese takeaway plan will go ahead in Corby

A Chinese takeaway plan objected to by a number of Corby businesses will go ahead.

The former Stevens James dry cleaners in New Post Office Square can now be converted to a Cantonese takeaway after a request for a change of use to Corby Council’s planning committee was signed off last night (Oct 7).

The news will not be welcomed by the Corby Cafe, which is just four doors down from the new takeaway business.

Its owner Ali Erdem had said in a formal objection to the council that another fast food outlet opening in the town centre in the current Covid times would have a ‘devastating effect’ on his and other businesses who were struggling to survive.

The popular nearby Corby Schooner chip shop has closed its doors in recent months and Mr Erdem said it may not re-open.

The change of use was unanimously approved by the councillors on the committee.

Cllr Anthony Dady had said he had reservations but voted for the change of use.

He said: “It is a concern of mine to take away shops in order to create takeaways, but it is not enough concern for me to object to it.”

The former dry cleaners and clothing repair shop has been closed for a year.

The meeting heard that leaseholder Othman Hassan has been paying the rent on the premises for the past year and came up with the idea of a takeaway as a way to create a successful venture in the empty premises.