A VACANT shop in Bridgwater town centre will remain empty after legal procedures to change it into a takeaway were halted.

Mudassar Raja applied in September 2020 to convert the former Gentleman’s Room hairdressers on West Quay into a takeaway selling fried chicken.

He subsequently lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate after Sedgemoor District Council’s development committee turned down the plans in December, arguing the new business would be out of keeping with the town centre.

But Mr Raja has now withdrawn his appeal against the council without explanation – meaning the unit will stay empty for the foreseeable future.

Mr Raja criticised the council’s “foolishness” in a statement published ahead of the planned appeal hearing, describing its ruling as “a typical ‘not in my back yard’ decision” and arguing councillors would actually prefer the shop to stay empty.

He went on to say: “This is a town centre location in a vibrant commercial centre in Somerset. Accordingly, a degree of noise and foot traffic is to be expected at the location.

“Instead, the planning committee members have chosen to have the blight of an empty shop in their town centre rather than a business that creates employment and serves the needs of the local population.”

Mr Raja put forward amended plans for the West Quay site in mid-January as the appeal process was getting under way – but these applications were withdrawn at the end of March.

The council said that a takeaway in this part of Bridgwater would have had a negative impact on the amenity of existing residents.

A spokesman added: “The opening hours as set out in the application form would have resulted in potential for additional footfall, noise and disruption in the late and early hours.

“Insufficient information was provided at the point of determination to conclude that there was appropriate extraction for the site to ensure an appropriate level of amenity.”