Roadside takeaway owner appeals planning rejection

Little Betty's is located in a field next to a layby on the A7

The owner of a takeaway built inside a shipping container has appealed against a council's decision to reject its planning application.

Little Betty's opened its doors in a field next to the A7 in Westlinton, near Carlisle, Cumbria, in May, despite Cumberland Council rejecting plans for the premises.

Planning documents show the takeaway was rejected because the building would have a "detrimental impact on its rural setting".

The business' owner, Marc Gardner, said the site had allowed him to secure his land against trespassers.

In Mr Gardner's initial application, he said part of the reason for opening Little Betty's was to prevent the land from being damaged by those using a nearby layby.

"The corner of the field has long been used by patrons of the layby as a litter dumping site and for unhygienic human waste," the application said.

"As a result, Mr Gardner has had to personally clean and clear the site at regular intervals throughout this period."

Council planning officer Stephen Daniel recommended rejecting the plans because the proposal did not "provide satisfactory justification for it to be located within the open countryside".

"It is not accepted that the issues with littering at the layby justify the creation of a new takeaway business," he said.

The appeal will now be decided following a site visit by an inspector on behalf of the secretary of state.

Little Betty's has been contacted for comment.