THE owner of an award winning restaurant has hit out at councillors who refused permission for a takeaway because it might create litter.

Tim Bouget, owner of the upmarket Ode, Shaldon, was given the go ahead to convert a derelict building by the Ness car park into a cafe, but Teignbridge Council planning committee turned down a separate takeaway licence.

He is now considering an appeal and declared: 'Littering is a criminal offence; we feel it is an insult to our customers, whether they are local residents or visitors, to presume they will create rubbish.

'There are a number fantastic beach side cafés in Devon and Cornwall which offer takeaway – perhaps members of the planning committee should take the time to leave their parishes and visit them. If we are to compete and attract visitors to Teignbridge, we need to a level playing field.

'It is worth noting the existing car park has only two bins for 370 car spaces.

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