PLANS for a new takeaway in Romsey have come under fire from residents, fearing it could cut jobs in rival businesses and drive down trade.

As reported, an application was submitted to Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) to transform the closed Co-operative Funeralcare shop, Winchester Road, into an Indian takeaway.

One critic believes another takeaway will add "more pressure and heartache to the existing small businesses", due to increased competition.

Others fear a new takeaway will increase traffic congestion with more customers and delivery vehicles visiting the unit.

READ: Plans for a new Indian takeaway in Romsey could create 10 jobs >>>

Raj Ahmed, who lives in Viney Avenue, said: "I feel having another hot food takeaway will overcrowd what is already an exasperated area.

"Small businesses are already struggling financially with the devastating impact of the pandemic. Another will add more pressure and heartache to the existing small businesses, which will result in job losses and closure of existing businesses."

He added the takeaway could impact the environment with more delivery vehicles driving to the takeaway.

Manager of the Chinese takeaway Rickshaw, Shue Leung, said: "In Winchester Road, there are three takeaways competing for customers, including us, Goodies and Chef Peking.

"There are so many places in Romsey for takeaways already and another one opening within 150 yards is too many."

She added: "We would be worried if another one is to open up due to the competition it may provide. This will have a detrimental impact on our business." 

Jo Cornell, who lives in Brick Lane, stressed another takeaway could result in more people and delivery vehicles visiting Plaza Parade.

She said: "This increase in traffic congestion will further increase the number of issues we already suffer trying to safely access our own properties. "[These] issues include: pedestrians safety, blocking access, congestion impacting visibility and verbal aggression towards residents in Brick Lane."

As previously reported, Cllr Dorothy Baverstock, who represents Romsey Cupernham on TVBC, was concerned a new takeaway could mean residents will have the smell of food blowing around a residential area.

However, owner of the Balaka Restaurant, Shafi Hussain, insisted residents should not be concerned about any smells coming from the proposed takeaway.

He said: "We are looking to employ eight to ten people if the plans are approved and we will have commercial extractor fans to minimise concerns people may have about anything coming out of the restaurant.

"We have been doing this for 40 years, so we know what we're doing.

"Hopefully we will get the go-ahead from the council and can start serving the community."

TVBC is due to decide on the plans by Christmas.