TORFAEN mayor Giles Davies has condemned plans to open a new fish-and-chip shop warning it could increase rubbish while undermining retail in his village.

The Labour councillor hit out at the proposals saying he had been forced to pick up takeaway litter near the proposed chippy in Broad Street, Abersychan, on his way home.

Meanwhile the Cabinet member for housing, planning and public protection, Gwyneira Clark, added to his concerns saying there was an “over burden” of fast food outlets in the village and a “good mix of business” needed to be encouraged.

The two Abersychan ward councillors made the comments ahead of a planning meeting on Tuesday [June 16], which will determine if the takeaway can open.

“I would like to voice my concerns at the possible development of another fast food outlet within the village of Abersychan,” said Cllr Giles in a written submission to Torfaen council planning committee.

“The village currently has three fast food outlets within yards of each other plus a fourth on High Street.

“There are also two cafés nearby. This area suffers with a litter problem currently and parking issues outside the shops, with cars parking in loading bays, although there is a car park opposite.

“I litter pick this area personally driving home some mornings, due to takeaway litter being dropped there and the area left unsightly.

“I personally feel that another fast food outlet could have a detrimental effect to other takeaway businesses in close proximity.

“It will also take another shop from normal retail use. There is also a closed down fast food outlet two doors down from this property.”

Meanwhile Cllr Clark said: “There is already an over burden of fast food outlets in the village, we need to encourage a good mix of business premises and support the people who are already trading in the village. I do not support another fast food outlet.”

Torfaen planning department has endorsed the plans to turn the vacant retail unit in Broad Street into a fish-and-chip shop.

A council report on the proposals says: “The applicant states that the retail premises has been vacant for five years.

“There is currently a reasonable level of retail services within the area for the residents of the eight commercial premises other than the application site.

“It is considered that the loss of this retail unit will not have an adverse impact on the vitality and viability of the local centre.”