Residents in a conservation area of Swaffham have pledged to fight controversial plans for a kebab shop which they say will exacerbate anti-social behaviour in the area.

Residents in a conservation area of Swaffham have pledged to fight controversial plans for a kebab shop which they say will exacerbate anti-social behaviour in the area.

Irfan Kucuk wants to convert the listed building in Station Street into a hot food takeaway, despite concerns that there are already two similar premises in the neighbourhood.

But since he submitted the planning application in May, residents have expressed their concern at potential risks such as impact on property, lack of parking, damage to the conservation area, noise, odour and highway safety.

Ten letters of objection have been sent to the council along with a petition signed by 26 residents from the adjoining Northwell Place.

They are also concerned for the welfare of a swifts' nest which they say could be completely destroyed if works get under way.

Last month Swaffham Town Council turned down the application, insisting that a new kebab shop in Station Street would increase car parking problems.

However, in a letter to Breckland planners, the authority writes: “Swaffham Town Council would like the planning authority to make sure that should they be minded to approve the application, there is a set time limit on the closing times as this could cause disruptions to neighbours.”

In one letter sent to Breckland Council, a resident who did not wish to be named wrote: “I am a single female living alone at my house and I feel that having another attraction in the area will only exacerbate the number of frightening incidents and potentially make my life intolerable.”

The premises which were previously used as a fancy dress shop have been empty since the beginning of the year. But now, Mr Kucuk represented by Swaffham Architectural Ltd wants to change their use, which may involve the installation of an inner extractor fan as well as redecorating the interior and the exterior of the building.

A spokesman for Breckland Council said the application is to be discussed by the authority's planning meeting on Monday, 21 July, indicating that officers have recommended approval.

But residents said they would fight the plans.

Stewart Green from Swaffham Architectural Ltd representing Mr Kucuk refused to make any comments.

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