A win for people power or NIMBY'ism?

The historic old post office in Gee Cross has been reprieved from dispensing chop suey where once postal orders were cashed. A planning application for a change of use from a dwelling to a Chinese take away was recommended for approval by the planning department despite six written objections and a petition signed by 61 residents from Gee Cross and Queens Close.The matter was heard before the Tameside Speakers’ Panel last Wednesday. Following a powerful speech by ward councillor Derek Baines highlighting traffic safety issues, the panel of six councillors voted narrowly in favour of rejecting the application by three votes to two with one abstention.Objectors cited noise, litter and increased traffic as reasons for their opposition to the proposal. They have pointed to the number of buildings already under commercial use including a takeaway and restaurant, which they claim produces unwanted smells.Petition organiser Peter Gerrish, 60, of Stockport Road, Gee Cross, who lives opposite the site, said: “There would be nowhere for customers to park but there are also the smells which are alright for a short time but not when it is constant. “We can already smell the Ganjee Indian take away and if we have got two takeaways with different types of herbs then that would not mix too well.” The planning department had recommended approval as the change of use with certain conditions attached was in line with its unitary development plan.The conditions included the implementation of a deodorising grease and emissions dispersal scheme; limited opening hours and a noise limit from any music or television within the premises, and windows and doors were ruled to be kept closed except for the sole purpose of entry or exit to and from the premises.The business would also have been required to have a waste disposal scheme that was approved by the planning authority before opening for business.Nicola Spirou, a shop assistant at the Village Cake Shop bakers opposite the old Post Office, said she was glad permission had been rejected because of the increased problems that extra traffic would bring. “My mother lives round the corner and is partially sighted. This would have meant more problems for her crossing the road,” she added.Her colleague Janet Cooper agreed saying: “We have already got a fish and chip shop and an Indian takeaway - people need to realise the smells impact on things like people hanging out their washing.”Naomi Aspinall, a former policewoman for over eleven years, said: “I am relieved as traffic problems in the area are already exacerbated by the opening of the Tesco Express further down the road towards Hyde centre.“There has already been a terrible accident here with the death of a small child two years ago and I can see another one happening.”Paul Mills owner of the village news newsagent said: “When cars are parked on both sides of the road it is a bottle neck and a potential problem for the emergency services to get through.”Councillor Baines said: “I appreciate the speakers’ panel agreed with me on this very serious issue and common sense prevailed. “I would also like to commend the residents for their help and diligence in this matter.”Councillor Baines’ efforts were in turn praised by many of the residents including Mr Gerrish who added: “We are very grateful to Derek Baines’ representations at the speaker’s panel. “Though we are delighted that the plan has been rejected we are mindful the applicants could still appeal. “If they did we would continue to oppose it.”