AN APPLICATION to locate a kebab van near a residential area has been refused following objections from those who live nearby.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council was asked for permission for a street trading license for a layby in the Harrow Way next to Viables.

However, the location had already been deemed ‘unsuitable’ by the council and appears on a list of sites published on the council website.

The council has previously refused other applications for street trading at this site.

Residents and businesses objected to the new application, raising concerns relating to safety, nuisance, inappropriate location, reducing parking provisions and exacerbating existing problems such as anti-social behaviour.

The kebab van would have been sited next to nearby homes in Loggon Road, Cranbourne.

The council’s licensing team agreed with residents’ concerns and said: “It is likely proposed activities would cause disturbance and/annoyance to local residents.”

They refused the application.

Asked why an application was accepted when the site has already been deemed unsuitable, a council spokesperson said: “Our team advises applicants by giving them an understanding of the issues raised by past applications, pointing them towards our policy and providing advice if a pitch doesn’t meet our policy.

“However, the team can’t not accept a valid application and allow it to go through the consultation process if that is what the applicant wishes to do – and pays for – following their advice.”

The applicant has 14 days to appeal the council’s decision.