'Opportunistic' plans for huge Devizes kebab van 'turned down'

An application has been made to Wiltshire Council for permission to set up a catering van selling burgers, kebabs and chips in Devizes Market Place between 4pm and 11pm seven days a week.

The unknown applicant has, however, been met with opposition from Devizes Town Council.

In a video posted to Facebook updating residents on the ongoing road closures on Northgate Street, Cllr Iain Wallis revealed the planning committee had objected to the proposal.

While Wiltshire Council must make the final decision on the application for a street trading licence, Devizes Town Council has responsibility for managing the Market Place.

This means the trader must also reach a further agreement with the town council to gain permission to occupy the site, but they have reportedly been turned down.

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The Kebab and Pizza House on Northgate Street (Image: Newsquest) Many argued the application was “opportunistic” after The Kebab and Pizza House on Northgate Street was destroyed in a fire last month.

Cllr Wallis indicated that, while this application has been turned down, the council would be supportive of the Kebab House owners running a similar operation in the town.

He said: “We discussed the licence from someone unknown for a kebab van in the Market Place, this was turned down.

“I think everyone agreed that this wasn’t the right thing to do but everyone also agreed that if The Kebab House came forward then we would look as a council at what solutions we could offer.

“It may not be in the Market Place, it may be somewhere else the council owns, or it could be there with certain restrictions.”

A meeting between the takeaway owners and the town clerk has been arranged to discuss this venture in more detail.

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Following the original application, many took to Facebook to voice their objections given the “tragic” circumstances.

Jemma Brown said: “If a kebab van is going to be allowed to be in the centre of town, it should be the current kebab shop owners only, so they stand a chance of keeping their business and livelihood.

“This new application from someone else is taking advantage of the situation and feels a bit grim.”

Michael Hudston added: “It would be wholly inappropriate for another business to try and capitalise on the current misfortune and that should be objected to at every level.”