A GROUP of Irvine residents have voiced their objections to a new pizza cafe in Irvine.

Members of Irvine Community Council last week agreed to submit an objection to proposals to open a new pizza cafe in Eglinton Street - a stone’s throw from Pizza Hut and Domino’s.

As first revealed by the Times last month, North Ayrshire Council planning chiefs are considering an application to open a new pizza cafe in the
office formerly occupied by ex-MSP Margaret McDougall.

The plans were submitted by Bennett Developments and Consultants who say a new takeaway would benefit the area.

But community councillors have this week argued that there is already an over-provision of pizza takeaways and any new premises could increase the already problematic parking in Eglinton Street.

Irvine Community Council Chair, June Niven, said: “I don’t think it’s really a necessity. There’s enough takeaways in the town centre as it is.”

Fellow community councillor Bill Anderson added: “I would oppose it on the grounds of over-provision. There’s too many in the town centre and there’s already two pizza places a stone’s throw away from this new one.

“It shouldn’t be granted unless the parking situation is clear because it’s bad enough as it is. I don’t think it should be allowed there’s too many takeaways nearby.”

According to the documents, the premises would focus solely on selling pizza but would offer cafe-style seating as well as a takeaway service.

The planning statement reads: “The premises, which have been vacant for a number of months, occupy a central location on the street and the possibility of them remaining empty would have had a potentially detrimental impact on the area.

“The proposed use will introduce a concept, now becoming more common in larger towns, namely a pizza cafe where the menu is restricted to pizza albeit with an astounding arrange of toppings and the opportunity to enjoy these straight from the ovens to the tables in the intimate surroundings of a cafe style environment.

“This small cafe will make a positive contribution to the local area and hopefully will be supported.”