Matki Chai’ takeaway gets the green light — eventually

The cabin — based in the Pitstop car wash car park on Fitzwilliam Road — was refused by RMBC in summer 2020.

Matki Chai’s appeal was thrown out by an inspector last year, also over concerns about its location near a school and “significant” potential for noise disturbance.

A second planning bid was submitted in March 2021 and four letters of support for the project were sent to Rotherham Council ahead of its decision.

Backers included Barnsley MP Dan Jarvis, and RMBC ward councillors Taj Khan and Wendy Cooksey.

Cllr Cooksey said: “I would like to record my support for this business. I have visited it on several occasions and seen how popular it is with the local communities due to the unique produce on sale.”

Matki Chai specialises in hot beverages and is mainly aimed at the Asian community — mostly in the immediate Eastwood area, a council report said.

An earlier licensing application asked for 2am finishes at weekends but the new 11pm close (10pm on Sundays) has appeased the council.

An RMBC spokesperson said: “It is considered that the reduction in hours from the earlier submission, as well as the omission of the hot food element in this revised application, is considered to reduce the potential for increased anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder directly affecting the quality of life for local residents.

“It is considered that the applicant has addressed the concerns raised on the previously refused application for a takeaway.

“The takeaway element has been omitted from this revised proposal which now seeks to operate as a café use, which predominantly opens during the day and evening.

“It is considered necessary to restrict future food preparation or sales from the property and the use should be predominantly for drink and cold food sales.”

Rotherham Council passed a planning policy two years ago which outlawed takeaways within 800 metres of schools.

The proximity to St Ann’s Junior and Infant — immediately to the south of the site — was noted in the planning department’s new decision paper.

Mr Jarvis, speaking for the applicants who live in his constituency, argued that it was “unfair” to decline the application on this basis when Yoh Burger had earlier been allowed to open across the road.

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