AN “eyesore” kebab van near an Essex school has sparked fears about “child safety, traffic, and encouraging unhealthy eating habits.” Abdullah Sanci is proposing a fast-food van in Nightingales, Langdon Hills, approximately 500 metres from Great Berry Primary School. More than 60 residents have objected to the plans. They raise various concerns, including road safety issues.
Mr Sanci insists that if agreed, the business will provide “access to goods or refreshments where options are limited.” One resident said: “lt trades daily from 2pm to 10pm, overlapping with after-school hours. The location is within easy reach of school-age children. The presence of a hot-food takeaway near a school raises concerns about child safety, traffic, and encouraging unhealthy eating habits.”
Strongly objecting, another angry resident said it has “a serious negative impact on the quality of life for people.” They added: “Residents deserve better. This situation raises major concerns around highway safety, child safeguarding, environmental harm, unauthorised development, and residential amenity.”
Councillors will consider the licensing application for the business at a licensing meeting at Basildon Borough Council on March 4.
Mr Sanci said: “I will trade from a self-contained van between 4pm and 10pm. Noise will be minimal, with no loud generators or music. I will provide a bin for customers and clean the area daily. Queues will be managed to avoid obstruction, and lighting will be used only for safety.
“There are few trading premises in the immediate area. My business will therefore not negatively affect local traders. It will provide local people and passersby with additional convenience and choice, supporting community access to goods or refreshments where options are limited.”
