Service station pizza shop shuts in planning row

Sbarro opened in March at Roseberry Service Station in Middlesbrough

A service station pizza outlet has shut after attempts to gain retrospective planning permission failed.

EG On the Move, which operates the Roseberry filling station on Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, opened Sbarro at the site in March, but only applied for permission to run the unit as a hot food takeaway in September.

The Sbarro outlet has now been served with a "refuse and enforce" notice by Middlesborough Council, meaning permission was denied. The authority said it refused the application because of "adverse impacts" on neighbouring residents and health issues.

The company said it was "working closely" with the council to address concerns.

Several objections were submitted to the plans, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service, with a council report concluding: "The pizza takeaway use being directly adjacent to Westbourne Park, a place where young people congregate, would have an adverse impact on local health."

One resident complained their washing had a smell of grease when it was brought in from the line.

Other objections submitted to the Labour-led council complained of noise, light pollution, antisocial behaviour and litter.

Independent Ayresome ward councillor Jackie Young said it was "disappointing" that the business had not applied for the necessary permissions before opening.

A spokesman for EG On The Move said: "We are working closely with Middlesbrough Council and our professional advisers to address the concerns reflected about the Sbarro concession operation at Middlesbrough South Services."