Residents unhappy after plans for taxi base in Cross Heath approved
Wednesday 30 June, 2010
Controversial plans for a private hire taxi base will go ahead despite the objections of residents.
Shafaquat Hussain has been granted permission to turn a disused shop in Liverpool Road, Cross Heath, into a hub for up to 27 private hire vehicles.
Earlier plans for a takeaway and taxi base on the site were rejected by Newcastle Borough Council's planning committee in December.
But this time the members decided to approve Mr Hussain's plans.
The borough council received four letters of objection, including two from existing private hire firms in Newcastle, and an 18-name petition against the plans.
Residents said the private hire cars would cause a nuisance, with drivers fixing their vehicles, and using their horns and radios late at night.
They were also worried about health and safety risks to pedestrians and the problem of additional traffic in the area.
Mohammed Arif, who addressed the committee on behalf of the applicant, argued that there was no need for residents to be concerned.
He said: "People say they are concerned about the noise created by the taxis, and that they don't want 20 plus cars waiting at the base.
"But I don't think that will happen, because most of the time our drivers will be out in their cars working, trying to make money, rather than at the base.
"People have also said that there would be a risk to pedestrians walking along the parade.
"But there is already a garage next door to this building."
The base will have parking space for about 20 vehicles to the rear of the existing building.
A number of conditions were imposed by the planning committee, including a restriction on the use of radios within the site, and a ban on servicing or repairs at the base.
The residents who opposed the plans said they were very disappointed that the taxi base had been given the go-ahead.
Jane Martin, aged 63, of Liverpool Road, added: "It's going to be open 24 hours, which means we're going to have noise all night.
"I also have traffic safety concerns. I don't think it's safe that these cars will be going over the pavement.
"There's quite a large school nearby, and lots of children walk home along this road.
"If cars are going to be coming out between two walls, they're not going to be able to see the pedestrians and vice versa.
"I organised the petition against the plans, but I don't think I'll bother in future. It was just a waste of time."
Anthony Biggs, aged 63, of Liverpool Road, said: "I've heard that there are going to be more than 20 cars based there, and while they won't all be there at the same time, you could still get a lot there.
"At the moment the bus sometimes can't stop in the right place because of the cars parked on the road."
Source; thisisstaffordshire.co.uk
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