‘Rats, pigeons and litter’ – fears Shirley is turning into a ‘takeaway city’

A Shirley takeaway has been refused permission to remain open until the early hours, amid concern about the impact this would have on neighbours.

Dozens of residents have voiced concerns about a growing number of takeaways in the Stratford Road area – which they claim has brought with them rats, litter and anti social behaviour.

The recent concerns were raised as Pepe’s Piri Piri Chicken, on Stratford Road, had applied to extend its licence until 5am on Thursdays to Saturdays and 2am for the rest of the week.

Owners of the recently-opened eatery had suggested they would phase in changes and had said they wanted to work with the local community.

Residents raised strong objections, claiming late night opening would fuel anti-social behaviour and add to problems with parking, noise and litter in the area.

Solihull Council’s licensing chiefs agreed to a much more limited extension to the licence, allowing the business to serve until 12midnight on Fridays and Saturdays (an hour later than at present).

Cllr Peter Hogarth, chair of the Licensing Act panel, said: “These premises have only been open about four months and the extension to late hours will inarguably lead to unacceptable disturbance and noise to residents.

“It’s been a very difficult one. It doesn’t satisfy totally the applicant and it doesn’t totally satisfy the residents but the extension is quite small and therefore I think it’s a fair decision.”

The meeting had heard that Pepe’s had opened in the autumn and the business had wanted to extend its hours to meet demand.

Twenty four objections were received following the application and a number of local people had aired their views.

James Wilson, who has lived in the area almost 30 years, said: “I can’t think of the last time I’ve been out in Shirley and seen police activity. It doesn’t happen anymore. So who is going to police the parking and the litter?

“There are lots of young families living in Shirley and what was once a nice, quiet suburban neighbourhood is just turning into takeaway city.”

Brian Chaplin, of nearby Stanway Road, said: “The traffic wardens that are employed by the council finish at about five o’clock, so all the traffic incidents happen after that anyway. So nothing is being done about it.”

Another resident, David Peplow, said litter along the busy shopping parade was already a serious issue.

“On Stanway Road we have a family of foxes … we have rats being seen on the estate, mice, feral pigeons – they feed on the food. These are all health hazards.”

Cllr Mark Parker (Con, Shirley East) had said that there would be a real impact on residents living “metres” away in surrounding roads.

“There are already a high number of bars, pubs and fast food takeaways in Shirley town centre and with longer opening hours will surely act as a magnet for anti-social behaviour.”

Ausaf Khan, one of the takeaway’s shareholders, told the committee that the business was willing to talk with residents and noted that it also had to meet strict standards demanded by the franchise.

“You’ve got a professional business that wants to engage … and is willing to listen,” he said.

While he acknowledged there were a lot of similar outlets in the area, many already opening late, he said there was a clear demand.

“The statistical fact is that it does work. There are people, local people, coming in using it.

“If it didn’t work you wouldn’t need this committee. We’d be out of a job.”

Councillors had taken around an hour to reach a decision.

Several conditions were attached to the licence extension, including regular consultation with neighbouring properties and an incident book being kept – as requested by police.

A further condition, offered by the business, will require staff to regularly sweep the area to clear litter labelled Pepe’s.

Read more: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/takeaway-city-fears-chicken-eatery-15743635