Shepton Mallet will be getting a new takeaway in the town centre – despite fears that it will worsen the town’s “rat infestation”.

Khasrow Said secured planning permission in February to convert the ground floor of 16 High Street in Shepton Mallet, which was previously used as a café, into a takeaway.

Mr Said applied in January to make alterations to the grade two listed building in order to install a flue, allowing the kitchen to be operated safely.

Somerset Council’s planning committee east (which handles major applications within the former Mendip area) unanimously backed the proposals on July 11, despite locals’ fears that it would worsen an existing problem with rats.

The new premises will be open from 3pm to midnight daily, and could create up to three part-time jobs – though the plans don’t specify which kind of food will be sold to customers.

Councillor Bente Height (who represents Shepton Mallet) stated before the committee meeting that the conversion proposal were “an extremely bad idea” and called on the council to do more to improve the appearance of the town centre.

She said: “The rat infestation will increase, the environment for residents will be polluted and these treasured buildings will be put at risk.

“I am not sure that you understand how Shepton people are concerned and worried about their listed buildings, and are deeply concerned about preserving their old market town.

“Shepton Mallet has become so run down that it’s shameful, and this application will not enhance anything.”

Numerous other local residents objected to the plans, arguing that it would not benefit the town centre.

Ivor Gittins said: “My concerns are about the chaos being caused by employees and customers on this very narrow one-way street. I would like to know where they would park.

“Surely this would cause problems for pedestrians and cars looking to access
nearby traffic lights.

“I think the last thing Shepton Mallet needs is another fast food outlet.”

Chris Harris concurred: “Do we also really need another takeaway in the High Street, with the current business levels in the area?

“Surely this will just suffocate the remaining businesses that are eagerly trying to remain in the High Street.”

Lee Dingle added: “There will be more noise late into the evening, seven days a week, in this section of the High Street where there are already two takeaways.

“If it is offering a seating area outside, this will cause the younger generation to just hang around outside my place of work and residency.”

Despite these concerns, the committee voted unanimously to approve the plans after less than 20 minutes’ debate.