January 12, 2011 7.41 pm This story is over 157 months old

New takeaway plans divide community

Greasy: Approved plans to build a new takeaway on the site of a disused cafe have wound up residents in the area of the city.

Residents and businesses on Clasketgate have been left disgruntled by the emergence of a new takeaway.

The development would be built in the currently disused Viking Cafe (pictured), which is now owned by Kubilay Yilmaz.

Yilmaz, who runs a takeaway franchise around the city, submitted a proposal to transform the abandoned cafe into a Topkapi Express last year.

The new development would see the cafe transformed into a fast food place, with a long serving bar, toilets and bar stools for customers.

Topkapi Express would be open from 3 in the afternoon until 5 in the morning and employ around 10 people.

The development was approved by the City of Lincoln Council’s Planning Department on January 12, provided that opening hours were looked into.

However, residents living in Danesgate House, situated above the development, complained that the takeaway would create too much noise, litter, smoke and anti-social behaviour.

Most of the residents objected to the development, and even brought forward a petition against the new Topkapi takeaway.

Businesses also objected to the takeaway, particularly the existing fast food restaurant Romeo’s, which is also situated within the Danesgate building on Clasketgate.

However, the Planning Committee stated that competition is not considered when making a decision on an application.

Yilmaz said: “A few people objected to the takeaway plans. It’s a shame as we offered them free food.

“There is going to be noise from students anyway in the area because of the new club, Wahoo.

“I don’t see why there should be a problem. I love this city and I’m trying to bring a franchise as good as Subway here.”