The future of a ‘beloved’ community takeaway business in Arborfield is set to be decided next week.
A public meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s Licensing and Appeals sub-committee on Wednesday, October 23, will make a decision on an application by Bilal Boztepe, who has been trading as the Arborfield Kebab Van at the Royal British Legion in the village, for a new street trading licence for land south of Baird Road, in Arborfield, RG2 9PL.
Following a public consultation on his application, 82 representations have been received both in objection and in favour of the application.
In his application, Mr Boztepe explained the Royal British Legion had withdrawn its permission for him to trade on their land, and that he had purchased the land at Baird Road as an alternative.
He said: “I have been trading at the Arborfield Royal British Legion since 2010, and when the chairman decided he didn’t want the van on his land anymore, I applied for the licence on my own land.”
During the 28-day consultation period, some 31 representations were received in objection to the application, with concerns over planning, road safety, traffic congestion, parking, litter, noise, anti-social behaviour, crime, pollution, wildlife, pests, competition with nearby businesses, and aesthetic impact.
A further 51 representations were received in favour of the application on account of the applicant and the long-standing contribution of his business in the local community..
The organiser of the petition said: “I am a part of the Arborfield community, and throughout this period, one stalwart in our community has been Bilal, the owner and operator of the beloved Arborfield Kebab van.
“Bilal is not just a business owner; he is a friend, a neighbour, and a vital part of our local community, always ready with a warm meal and a kind word.
“Losing the Arborfield kebab van would not only affect Bilal, but also the local community and its quality of life.”
