A bid by a Chinese takeaway to serve late-night customers until 5am has sparked concerns from nearby residents and environmental health officials over fears of noise and disturbance.
An application has been submitted for a new premises licence for 113 High Street in Crediton, trading as Yummy Tummy Chinese. The application will be considered by Mid Devon District Council’s Licensing Sub Committee on Friday, May 15.
Applicant Sami Chakmakchi has applied for permission to provide recorded music indoors between 10am and midnight every day, late-night refreshment between 11pm and 5am, and the sale of alcohol between 11am and 11pm.
In the application, the business is described as “a Chinese restaurant, that does delivery, takeaway, collection and sitting in”.
Council papers state the premises previously operated as the Cornerhouse Pub before later becoming a Thai restaurant. The former licence lapsed after the previous company entered voluntary liquidation in June 2023 and was dissolved earlier this year.
Mid Devon District Council received one objection from Public Health Services and six further representations from members of the public opposing the application.
Environmental health officers raised concerns about the proposed late-night refreshment hours and their potential impact on nearby homes.
In the report, Public Health Services said: “Due to the quietness of the surrounding area and the proximity of residential premises to the Restaurant location, I feel that a Late-night refreshment licence until 5 am is too late and will result in public nuisance by the emitting noise affecting nearby residential properties.”
According to council documents, objections also included concerns over possible increases in crime and disorder, noise from music, and disruption caused by vehicles arriving and leaving the premises late at night.
One issue raised regarding a lack of parking was deemed not directly relevant under licensing laws by council officers.
The report also revealed licensing officers visited the premises on Monday, April 20 after reports alcohol was still being advertised for sale on food delivery websites before a new licence had been granted.
Council documents state alcohol was “being exposed for unauthorised sale” during the visit, contrary to the Licensing Act 2003. Officers said the alcohol was removed from display and a formal written warning was issued.
The report notes the applicant later reached an agreed position with Devon and Cornwall Police over a number of additional licence conditions.
Members of the Licensing Sub Committee will decide whether to grant the licence as submitted, modify the application, remove certain licensable activities or reject the application entirely.
