The Double Tree has established itself further up Garstang Road beyond The Black Bull

Curry fans in Fulwood may not get a new place to try as two councillors have objected to a Garstang Road conversion.

Owners of the Double Tree are proposing to convert the former Withy Trees Pantry into a restaurant operating each day from 11am to 11pm.

Siting within the Fulwood Conservation Area the plans have triggered objections from both College ward councillors.

Councillor Harry Seddon has called in the plans to be discussed by the planning committee while councillor Bobby Cartwright has led the objections to the proposals.

Pungent smells

Eight letters have been received by Preston City Council planners stating the area is already very busy with traffic and the restaurant would lead to additional cars in the area and problems with parking.

Another outlines their objection to “pungent cooking smells” and another states the changes would “harm the appearance of a Victorian terrace which is part of the Conservation Area.”

Planning officers have recommended the scheme for approval, but applying a condition which stops the restaurant doing takeaways.

They state: “The proposed development would be beneficial in bringing vacant commercial premises back into use.

“Neighbour objections relating to potential noise, disturbance and parking have been taken into account but given the small scale of the proposed restaurant/cafe and the use of conditions, to, amongst other things, control opening hours, it is unlikely that the proposals would lead to significant impact on existing residential amenities.

“The proposals also involve alterations and improvements to the premises which as a whole are likely to enhance the character and appearance of the Fulwood Conservation Area. As such, the proposal complies with the relevant provisions of the development plan and there are no material considerations which outweigh this finding.”

Councillors meet on Thursday at the Town Hall from 1.30pm to consider the application.

Do you live in the area? What do you think of the plans? Let us know in the comments below