Friday 18 February 2011

Mmm . . . Morley's is coming

LVIG understands Morley's is about to take over the old off licence (drinks store) on Algernon Rd. Famous for its cut-price takeaway fried chicken, Morley’s will definitely be a big hit with school kids in the area. But does Ladywell need it? Fried chicken is the fastest growing of all fast foods, with outlets springing up all over the place. It’s cheap and cheerful but hazardously rich in fats and salts – not great for a healthy diet. Ladywell also has at least four takeaway outlets already in addition to a few other eateries. Some councils are imposing penalties on new takeaways in a bid to stop them taking over local high streets. So far Lewisham has let the market decide. But should it take a tougher approach to planning applications for takeaways so it can do more to protect the character of an area?  What do you think?

9 comments:

Geoffrey said...

Definitely a need for more litter bins in Ladywell (as discussed at the Ward Assembly).

Anonymous said...

Yes yes yes - tougher action on planning needed. Is it too late in this case? Has there been a Planning Notice displayed outside the premises? And why do we need another Morley's when there is already one within half a mile?

Geoffrey said...

A planning committee granted the change of use from shop to hot food takeaway about a year ago. The Ladywell Society and a local councillor (Green at the time) objected at the meeting. There is currently no enforceable limit on the number of takeways there can be in a "local shopping parade". The former computer shop on Ladywell Road is currently being fitted-out as a takeway (granted permission over two years ago), but as the application was by the current Chinese takeaway, there may be no increase if they close one and open the other. But the current one is fitted-out for another takeaway to move in (possibly).

Anonymous said...

Cheap Chicken is never cheerful :_(

Adele said...

Please, no! These places are awful. I noticed a sign on the door of one place opposite the leisure centre: 'School children offer...' then a ridiculously cheap price for chicken and chips :(

Anonymous said...

Doubtless with Council cuts in all areas likely to include street cleaning and refuse collection, the streets of Ladywell are set to become more of a rubbish dump than they are currently.
It's a crying shame that local residents are unable to prevent unwanted businesses opening up in order to keep a balance of variety in shopping parades through current planning laws.
Though I don't like to see properties sitting empty in Ladywell, surely this is preferable to another ugly shop frontage and litter strewn in the streets, dragging the area back down after recent improvements over the last few years. So much for progress eh?!

Anonymous said...

A cheap chicken take-away shop is not at all what Ladywell needs... and not at all in keeping with the lovely new additions of Oscars and Els Kitchen. I would willingly sign a petition to stop it.

Anonymous said...

I'd sign a petition too.

I know that there is the power to do this, but alas I haven't a clue where to start. I've seen & heard such things in East Dulwich where basically they pretition against 'chain' companies to encourage new business and growth in the area.

Anonymous said...

Having just heard this might be the case I googled and found this conversation. Not a sensible planning decision and I certainly wasn't aware of any public notice being displayed regarding a change of business purpose. My argument isn't so much the health or diet choice of people, be they young or old (although its a fair point for those that have children and worry for their health), but I do object to the creation of a hub for young people coming out of school to congregate around, and for empty chicken boxes and other waste to be dumped close to my home, something widely complained about in relation to this type of take away. I doubt other people living in the area are aware either. I'd be willing to sign a petition to stop a Morelys franchise from opening and I will be writing to Lewisham council and my ward councillors to register my concern.