Plans for a new hot food takeaway business in St Albans have been met by a backlash from nearby residents objecting to the proposals.

The plans have been submitted to St Albans City and District Council, proposing a change of use for 17 Central Drive from a Class A2 professional services to a hot food take out unit, primarily serving pizza.

The application includes an area for cooking, a seating area for waiting customers and the installation of an external extraction grille at the rear of building.

The property was most recently used as a photography studio for AG Studios, but currently sits vacant.

The property was most recently used as a photography studio.The property was most recently used as a photography studio. (Image: Google Street View)

If approved, the new shop would be open seven days a week, from 10am to 12pm and serve takeaway food.

However, the plans have been met with a string of objections, with residents voicing their concerns.

One neighbour wrote: "I have a very strong objection to the proposals.

"A hot food takeaway would not serve local community needs, especially when there are numerous hot food outlets already offering 'takeaways' nearby.

"With two schools located nearby, a hot food takeaway could become a hub for loitering at lunch times and in the evenings."

She went on to express concerns about staff smoking near her front door, which she fears could impact her children's health.

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Another resident simply wrote "I think the takeaway will bring unwanted additional noise and rubbish in a quiet residential area.

"There are plenty of other establishments nearby."

There have been 26 objections in total so far, with common grievances including noise pollution, damage to the 'character of the area' and unpleasant smells.

The plans are currently at the consultation stage and you can view the proposal in full and comment on it by visiting the St Albans City and District Council Planning Portal and entering the reference 5/2024/0788.

The consultation is open until July 20.