CIVIC leaders in Melksham are vowing to fight against another plan for a takeaway in the town because they say there are already too many.
Town councillors have objected to an application for a fried chicken takeaway in King Street because it is already the site of three fast food businesses and an Indian restaurant.
But the plan for the former PR Sounds hi-fi shop was down for approval at a West Wiltshire District Council meeting last night.
Melksham district councillor Brian Mudge said there were already 12 takeaways along a half-mile stretch through Melksham and is worried an additional one would swamp the town.
He said: "We need to stop this tide of fast food outlets. Melksham is already known as the fastest food outlet in the west, and if the application goes through we will be even faster."
One King Street resident said his life was being ruined by early morning disturbances directly linked to takeaway opening hours.
Cllr Mudge said other residents were also suffering the same problems.
"They are suffering because people are coming out of pubs at some ghastly hour and going to takeaways which are allowed to stay open after midnight," he said.
"The overall affect on the town is horrible. Booze and bad behaviour seem to come together outside takeaways."
Melksham Town Council also objected on grounds of a possible increase in anti-social behaviour and was worried about the loss of a shop in a prime area and increased traffic congestion caused by motorists stopping off for food.
Cllr Vic Oakman said: "As far as I'm concerned having another takeaway in the area is sheer lunacy. It is destroying the retail outlet of Melksham."
Planning officer Russell Brown, of West Wiltshire District Council, said: "The main issues are whether the change of use is appropriate to the area, the highways implications, the impact of the use on local residents and the effect the change would have on the character and appearance of the area."
If the plan is passed, conditions have been attached including providing ventilation and filtration equipment to minimise cooking smells.
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