A plan to site a hot food takeaway van in a small car park off a busy road in north west Swindon has received plenty of opposition.

Businessman Jerry Gonsalves runs the catering company Flavour Junction and he has asked Swindon Borough Council planners for the go-ahead to site a van on a parking space in the small car park just off the roundabout junction of Akers Way and Purton Road.

Mr Gonsalves’ application says: “We want to park our food truck at this location between 11 am and 11 pm.

“We will be selling burgers, fish & chips, wraps, curry along with hot and cold drinks. We are operating in a mobile van and would require just one parking space.”

The application shows pictures of a large van painted all black which would be used.

But the loss of the parking space, and the prospect of customers has not pleased nearby residents.

Eight neighbours have written to the planning department objecting to the proposals, with all of them saying there is already not enough parking in the area, and Mr Gonsalves’ plan would only make things worse.

One letter said: “I suggest a representative from the planning committee visit the area during the times of the proposal especially at the weekend and try to park.”

Local councillor Stanka Adamcova has asked that the application be ‘called in’ for discussion and decision by the council’s planning committee if officers are minded to approve the application.

She said: “The proposed location of the food van is in a car park on Akers Way. The car park is always full, local residents do not have sufficient parking spaces, and therefore customers would either block local residents in the car park or stop on the main road closely to the busy roundabout impacting the road safety of Akers Way.

“Considering the proximity of local schools - Nova Hreod Academy and Moredon Primary School - the food van could negatively impact the Council's goal to reduce childhood obesity.”

No decision or recommendation has been made on the application – if planning officers are minded to approve the plan it will be brought to a meeting of the council’s planning committee.

The next meetings of the committee are Tuesda,y June 11 and July 11, both starting at 6pm.