PLANS to change the use of part of a Kincardine bakery into a hot food takeaway were given the green light last week – despite 132 residents signing a petition against the move.

The proposals for the premises at Elphinstone Street attracted a total of 16 objections as well as the petition, with concerns raised including noise, lack of parking and the potential detrimental effect on existing businesses.

However, planners recommended that the application be approved by members of Fife Council's central and west planning committee.

According to the minutes from the meeting, the committee agreed to approve the application, subject to three conditions and for the reasons detailed in the report tabled on the day.

In the documents for the committee meeting last Wednesday, February 17, a Fife Council planning officer explained the proposals met development plan and national guidance conditions.

The report said: "The proposal is considered to be compatible with its surrounds in terms of land use; would not cause any significant detrimental impacts on the amenity of the surrounding area or road safety and is considered acceptable in terms of its visual impact on the surrounding Kincardine Conservation Area.

"Concerns have been raised by the public that noise levels are already excessive within the area due to people congregating in the street.

"These concerns are noted, however, it is considered that the proposal would be located within a local shopping centre location with a mix of commercial properties which would have varying operating hours and deliveries associated with them."

Planning officers said the council's transportation service had not highlighted any concerns and any potential littering issues or anti-social behaviour would be dealt with if they arose by the respective authorities.

They added that concerns over detrimental impact on existing businesses were not a "material planning consideration in this instance" and would be dealt with through "market forces and supply and demand."

The application, made by Mohammed Yasin, requested full planning permission for a change of use of part of bakery and retail unit to a hot food takeaway.

The proposed ground floor will be allowed to be subdivided to include a retail unit and the proposed hot food takeaway which will have a customer area at the front and a kitchen area located within the rest of the building.