A FISH and chip shop that was the subject of planning approval last month has rebuffed criticism over parking and litter. 

An existing timber extension at Crakeside Fish and Chips, Greenodd, is set to be 're-sited' to the front of the building. 

Behind the application was gas company Cadent, with the extension currently in place sitting above a high-pressure gas main. Planning consent for the existing extension has also expired.

A representation published online expressed concerns about the perceived impact Crakeside chippy customers had on parking and levels of litter in the area.

A spokesman for the chip shop has now responded to this, stressing that the team took issues raised by neighbouring businesses seriously.

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"[We] recognise that, since other food-led businesses have opened up in the vicinity, these issues have considerably worsened, for ourselves included," said the spokesman.

"Our hardworking chippy team make every effort daily to remove any litter from neighbouring properties, including the bus shelter and surrounding areas.

"We pay a considerable amount each month to have our rubbish professionally and safely removed and dealt with.

"Whilst we have no control over where our customers park, if not on our site, we recognise the hazards this causes."

The spokesman referred to 'ongoing multi-agency discussions and plans' to address parking issues 'of which we are an active part of'.

Particular aspects of the application were also addressed, with the chip shop representative saying the overall footprint of the site would remain the same after work had taken place – and that it did not constitute an extension.

"Cadent are the drivers of this planning application, with Dalcour Maclaren [the company that put together the planning statement] acting on their behalf as intermediaries between them and us," said the spokesman.

"To enable the thriving chippy business to continue, Dalcour Maclaren, along with Cadent, have facilitated the submitted plans for re-siting – some eight years since Cadent first decided the timber extension was to be moved.

"The extension is integral to the daily operation of the business."

The spokesman said the number of parking spaces at the site would remain the same.