ROAD safety and noise concerns have led to plans for a new hot food takeaway in North Berwick being thrown out.

More than a dozen objections towards Alandas’ proposals were submitted by members of the public to East Lothian Council.

They had asked for permission to turn the office space at 43 Quality Street, at the junction of Quality Street and Forth Street, into a new takeaway.

However, a number of concerns were highlighted, with the town’s community council among those flagging up potential issues.

According to the planning officer’s report: “They [the community council] advise that they opposed the change of use from a class 2 office as they wish to see office space retained in the town.

“They also believe the location on a busy corner is not a good one for a takeaway, with a risk to customers from traffic.

“They note residents’ concerns regarding noise, especially late at night in an area where there are a lot of residential properties.

“They also note that if the takeaway was to offer a delivery service, there is no parking immediately outside and Quality Street is often busy, which would pose a road safety danger.”

Other concerns from the public focused on the potential “detrimental impact” on existing businesses in the area and that there was “no need” for “another” takeaway in the area.

The planning officer’s report gave two reasons for the local authority’s decision to refuse the plans, which could go before East Lothian Council’s Local Review Body if Alandas decide to appeal.

As well as a concern that the takeaway would likely “lead to irresponsible parking and waiting outside the premises”, the officer noted: “Due to its position, size and the fact it would project from the building, the proposed cowl would appear as an incongruous feature and would have a detrimental impact on the appearance of this prominent building and on the character and appearance of the North Berwick Conservation Area.”

Alandas has an award-winning ice cream parlour at No.1 Quality Street, as well as fish and chip shops in Prestonpans and Haggerston Castle, Northumberland.