THE town council will write to the Planning Inspectorate to claim it was ‘ignored’ after raising concerns about a proposed drive-through in Christchurch.

Christchurch Town Council had previously objected to the plans, warning the “already congested” location of Barrack Road would not be suitable.

Permission was granted in May to build the new drive-through restaurant at the ‘advertising corner’ by Jumpers Roundabout.

It followed an appeal by Richard Carr’s company Fortitudo in response to a ‘non-determination’ of the application by BCP Council.

At the meeting of Christchurch Town Council’s planning and regulatory committee on June 18, members received an update on the outcome of the appeal.

It was agreed that the committee would write to the Planning Inspectorate to ‘express their regret that the concerns raised have been ignored’.

Councillor David Jones, chairman of the committee, told the Daily Echo: "I think we put a strong case forward to say this is obnoxious."

He said Barrack Road was already heavy with traffic, adding: "I've said before, I think traffic officers live on planet zog."

Members also acknowledged the ‘importance of the Neighbourhood Plans in enhancing the town council’s power to influence planning applications’, according to the meeting minutes.

In objecting to the scheme previously, acting town clerk James Atkinson commented on behalf of Christchurch Town Council: “Members agreed on the unsuitability of the location for a drive-through restaurant and raised concerns on the number of existing take-away shops along the already congested Barrack Road.

“Members also pointed at the strategic location which acted as a significant gateway to Christchurch and concluded that the existing green space should be preserved.”

As reported, BCP Council confirmed in a statement of case to the Planning Inspectorate that if it had determined the application then it would have refused the application on five grounds.

However, following the submission of further evidence by Fortitudo prior to the appeal hearing, the local authority confirmed it would withdraw its objection to the proposal with regard to the creation of safe and acceptable access.

Speaking to the Daily Echo after winning permission on appeal, Richard Carr said 'common sense had prevailed'.