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Proposals to build a new takeaway and bar extension in Pontefract town centre have been turned down over concerns about the smell coming from the business.

A planning inspector also said the premises could cause problems for the town’s sewer network as the scheme included building over public manhole covers.

The application involved knocking down a former hair salon on Ropergate End to build a two storey property.

The scheme included opening a takeaway on the ground floor and allowing the upper floor to be used as an extension and roof terrace for the neighbouring Mad Ox bar.

Plans to demolish a hair salon to build a takeaway and an extension to the Mad Ox bar, on Ropergate End, Pontefract, have been refused.

A statement submitted to Wakefield Council on behalf of the applicant said: “Since 2020 there have been several conversions of commercial property to drinking establishments on Ropergate and Ropergate End, cementing the area as a hub of Pontefract’s night time economy.

“At present, there is little provision for takeaway hot food in this area.

“A ground floor takeaway venue would be an appropriate feature which would complement the existing mix of businesses in the area and increase the draw of the area’s night time economy.”

The application was referred to the Planning Inspectorate after the local authority delayed making a decision.

But a planning inspector dismissed the appeal and refused the plans after visiting the site in May.

A report said: “At my site visit I observed windows to the adjoining properties which could be adversely affected by smells.”

The inspector added: “It therefore has not been demonstrated that the proposed development could be carried out without an adverse effect on the enjoyment of surrounding properties with respect to odour.”

Yorkshire Water objected to the scheme, saying it could “seriously jeopardise” its ability to maintain the public sewerage system.

The report continues: “The proposed extension would be sited over existing public manhole covers, and it is not in dispute that it would not be possible to relocate these within the site were the extension to be constructed.

“The development as proposed therefore has the potential to impede the effective operation of the public sewerage network.

“It therefore has not been demonstrated that the proposed development would allow for the continued, effective operation of sewerage infrastructure.”

Takeaway and bar extension plan refused over fears of bad smells and blocked drains