PLANS to create a new hot food takeaway in Ardrossan have been refused due to the impact they could have on the surrounding residential area.

This comes despite the plans referring to a location only two doors down from an existing takeaway.

Applicant Mr Hoi Chong had planned to convert a currently empty unit on Rowanside Terrace into a hot food takeaway.

The unit in question was previously a commercial shop unit, and is situated at number 39 on the street - which already has the 'Lucky House' Chinese takeaway at number 43.

The application to change the use of the premises, which is situated below two flats, was in late April - but the application has now been refused.

The applicant had been hoping to bring four or five new jobs to area with the takeaway which would have been open from 4-10pm Tuesday through to Sunday.

Planning documents added: "The new hot food takeaway will provide a boost to the area and will re-open a closed shop unit."

However, there were a number of objectors to the proposal who felt this would not be the case.

Five objections were published on North Ayrshire Council's online planning portal - with a further petition of objection sent to planners.

All the objectors raised concern over parking, with the application having made no mention of increasing the number of nearby parking spaces.

One objector said: "Parking is already a major problem with the existing take-away - residents being unable to park or having problems getting in and out their driveways.

"The four parking spaces that has been mentioned on the application already have several vehicles vying for them.

"The supply lorry for the Chinese often has difficulty in parking and often has to park on the grass verge, causing a quagmire."

Other concerns included noise, litter, anti-social behaviour and the potential for odour pollution - as well as the potential for competition with the existing takeaway nearby.

One objector said: "Noise is also a problem with engines often left running whilst people leave their car to 'quickly' run in to collect their orders or wait until the order is ready.

"Litter is an issue and people often discard their rubbish leaving us to clear it up.

"There are already another five takeaways within easy walking distance. The existing take-away has been there for 47 years and although well established, it, like all business, has been hit hard with the pandemic and rising prices, it is so unfair to them that they would face competition right next door to them.

"In the past we had problems with groups of youths hanging around and causing disturbances.

"Another carry out will encourage youths to congregate once again and that is unacceptable in a residential area."

The 'venting flue' included in the application was also branded "inadequate" by one objector, who stated: "It's not high enough and will not perform its function correctly, this will have an environmental impact on residents who will be exposed to harmful gases and unpleasant smells."

Explaining the reason for the rejection, council planners stated: "It would potentially result in additional noise and disturbance which would have an adverse impact on the residential character and amenity of the surrounding area."

They also said the proposed use had the potential to "undermine the established character and amenity of the surrounding residential area".

The applicant now has up to three months to appeal the decision.