A new takeaway in Bath’s Oldfield Park has secured permission to operate late into the night, stirring mixed reactions among local residents. Diamond Kebab & Pizza, which opened just 10 weeks ago on Moorland Road, has been granted a licence to stay open until 2:30am on Fridays and Saturdays, despite several neighbours’ concerns.
Oldfield Park is known for its large student population, who are the primary patrons of late-night food outlets. However, it is also home to families and long-term residents who fear that extending takeaway hours could exacerbate existing issues related to noise and disorder from late-night revelers.
During the licensing hearing on June 18, local resident Will Sandry described Moorland Road as “a very residential area” and expressed concerns that the extended opening hours might increase public disorder, although no specific incidents involving Diamond Kebab & Pizza were cited.
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The takeaway’s owners countered these worries by promising measures to minimize disturbance. These include installing CCTV, displaying signs requesting customers to leave quietly, keeping doors and windows closed after 11pm, using cars rather than noisy mopeds for deliveries, and ensuring any music played in cars is switched off after 11pm.
Abdullah Argunaga, representing Diamond Kebab & Pizza, explained the business needs extended hours to offset high rent and rates. Although they initially applied to stay open until 3am, they agreed to 1am from Sunday to Thursday and 2:30am on weekends to address concerns.
The licensing subcommittee approved the application with these conditions. Notably, Domino’s takeaway across the street operates until the same late-night hours.
Steve Hedges, chair of the licensing committee, acknowledged the delicate balance between business interests and resident concerns, stating, “We have tried to be as fair as possible to everybody,” and wished the business success.