Donington to get third fish and chip shop after plans are passed

Donington looks set to have a third fish and chip shop after plans were given the green light.

An application to transform a retail development adjacent to the Co-op on the A52 into a hot food takeaway received objections from residents and councillors.

However, chain eatery Rumbles Fish Bar could soon be competing with established venues Flinders Fish & Chip Shop and Jack’s Fish Bar after a planning application to South Holland District Council was approved.

“Whilst I have no objection to hot food takeaway at those premises, I do wonder if Donington needs a further fish and chip shop as it already has two well established fish and chip shops which could be put at risk,” said Coun Simon Walsh in response to the consultation.

“It would be nice to see some diversity of food choices.”

Coun Jane King also questioned the application, believing village trade could be affected.

She said: “I feel that it is awful that a large company can be allowed to open in a village that already has two fish and chip shops.

“A large company would also be able to cope with the escalating cost of supplies better than a stand-along shop.

“We have several other independent shops that rely on passing trade. This point was part of my objection when the new Co-op applied for permission.”

Coun Henry Bingham questioned the impact on traffic, suggesting it would ‘cause further parking and traffic issues on a junction that is less than ideal’.

“The current car park even at off peak times is well used and usually busy,” he commented.

The planning application received 17 objections and one note of support, but the decision was approved under delegated powers, with the Chairman’s Panel accepting the decision.

The proposed opening hours will be 11.30am to 9pm, Monday to Sunday.