Food truck approval for Ellon Aldi site

A takeaway food truck will set up shop in the car park of Ellon’s Aldi supermarket after getting the go-ahead by councillors.

Omer Yagmur had applied to Aberdeenshire Council in a bid to operate the unit in the Ythan Terrace car park.

It will take up two spaces currently reserved by nearby florist Floral Request.

However dentist and landlord of the neighbouring Ythan Bridge Dental Centre, Dr John Mark Donaldson, objected to the van.

He believed the location of the takeaway unit could put the safety of pedestrians at risk.

Mr Donaldson said: “Given such a business will have a good number of pedestrians coming and going from it, I am concerned this will create an unnecessary traffic problem and safety issue.

“The proposed site would impair the ability of motorists negotiating what is already a difficult junction.

“I’m not sure such a facility in the centre of a large town – where many existing catering outlets already exist – is either necessary or desirable.”

But council planners recommended the small takeaway truck be approved, saying it was in an “appropriate” location.

The application was considered by the Formartine area committee this week.

Councillor Isobel Davidson asked if a condition could be added to allow the van permission to operate for three years.

However, councillor Anne Stirling argued it would not be reasonable to ask the takeaway owner to reapply for planning permission on a regular basis.

She went on to give the proposal her backing, stating it was a “suitable” site.

Councillor Gillian Owen urged the committee to approve the takeaway and it was unanimously granted.

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