Hip Hip Korai! Takeaway gets go ahead

Friday 16 February 2018

Restrictions are to be lifted allowing an Indian restaurant, based in St. Aubin, to provide take-away and delivery services amid concerns about illegal parking and litter in the area.

The Noya Shapla, which opened last August in the renovated NatWest building on the bulwarks, was previously only able to operate as a restaurant.

The condition had been imposed following concerns from the Parish that allowing it to operate a take-away and delivery service would cause traffic problems. They were also worried that having a take-away business would lead to litter in the area.

The restaurant is a family business, started by Labas Miah, who was one of the first people to open an Indian restaurant in Jersey. He ran the Shapla Indian Restaurant in St. Aubin for 20 years before passing the trade on to his son Joe Miah. After moving the business to town in 2014, where they offered take-away and deliveries, they decided to come back to St. Aubin. 

Speaking on their behalf, Stephanie Steedman of KE Planning, told the Planning Committee that no complaint had been received since the restaurant opened in August, or in the years prior to that when it operated in town or in a different location in St. Aubin.  She explained that takeaway and deliveries are a very important part of the business, and fundamental in its success. 

Mrs Steedman added that while the Parish raised concerns about litter being left around the restaurant, Mr Miah makes a point of checking the front of his restaurant to make sure it doesn't get untidy and unwelcoming. She added: "This is not fast food, this is not food you can sit on the street and eat."

Pictured: Noya Shapla is located close to a busy intersection and a pedestrian crossing in St.Aubin.

In relation to the takeaway issues, Mrs Steedman said that Mr Miah was very aware of the problem and would go out of his way to manage his operation, including bringing out the food to customers waiting outside. She said: "He is a St. Aubin resident and is located immediately opposite the Parish hall. He does not want to cause nuisance and upset. He wants to demonstrate that this service can be provided from his premises without causing concern."

Mrs Steedman suggested that a temporary permission be introduced to allow Mr Miah to provide take-aways for the next six months, covering the summer which will be the busiest period. She also suggested that the condition be made personal to Mr Miah rather than the business, explaining that it would be appropriate "because of how he manages his business."

Amid a long discussion over how the traffic issues would be monitored around the restaurant if permission was granted, the Planning Committee eventually granted it. Deputy Russell Labey said: "We are guessing people will park illegally but the one thing you don’t want to risk when picking up your take-away is a ticket on your car. I think people will not park irresponsibly. A six month period would give us hard evidence (...) and would give the restaurant a chance to ensure customers are responsible. 

"It's is nice to see such support from neighbours, the restaurant deserves a chance. Plus the idea of visitors to the island rocking up to an Indian restaurant and being told they don’t take away is a bit strange as it would be the only one in the world!"

The decision to grant the permission for takeaway and delivery will be confirmed at the next Planning meeting in March. It will expire in mid-September at which point the Planning Committee will consider whether to grant a permanent permission or not.