Plans for new takeaway van in Dursley approved

Family-run business Gravity takeaway - located in Parsonage Street in the old Barclays bank - has had its street trading application approved. 

The licence application, submitted by owner Christakis Kyriacou, states that food will be sold from a van parked in the shared private car park off Castle Street, near the Sainsbury's traffic lights.

The application was approved by councillors during a licensing hearing on Monday, January 8, at Stroud District Council. 

Food can now be served from the van from 9.30am to 9.30pm on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9.30am to 9.30pm as well as from 10am to 9.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. 

According to the application, the van will sell Greek chicken and pork gyros, Cypriot sandwiches, Greek salads, fries as well as soft drinks.

The takeaway van can now serve food in a private car park off Castle Street (Image: Google Maps)

The licence application was supported by Dursley Town Council but received objections from two businesses including Dursley Funeral Directors and a resident. 

However, the licence received no objections from Gloucestershire Highways. 

During the hearing, David Stephenson from Dursley Funeral Directors said his company shares a car park with Gravity which led to their concerns.

He said: "From the point of our business there is an indignity in bringing deceased people in and out of our premises with a food van in view. 

"I'm not sure that our clients would care much for it, and it concerns us greatly. 

"There is an issue with parking, the car park has become harder to park in recent months. "

Meanwhile, John Kay Clerk at Dursley Town Council said: "We reaffirm our support for the application. 

"There are a number of convenience food, fast food outlets in the town centre, but none of them offer the produce Chris offers. 

"When Gravity opened up, the town council was concerned about the amount of litter which could culminate from such a premises. 

"I would just like to say that has not occurred, the town centre is not any untidier and we don't see that being an issue for this additional business."

Mr Kay also stated that the town council believes the pavement near where the van would be trading is the widest in the town centre and would not cause an obstruction. 

Cllr Loraine Patrick (Conservative, Dursley) said: "In regard to there being any similar type of trading we don't have that particular flavour from any of the other businesses as far as I'm aware. 

"Apart from the actual restaurants, all of the other food outlets are closed by teatime. 
She added: "I was surprised there were objections."

Mr Kyriacou from Gravity said: "I'm a young entrepreneur, I went to school in Dursley, I have got a lot of friends and family in Dursley. 

"When Barclays Bank closed down, I saw it as an opportunity open up this establishment. 

"I brought something different into the community and all my customers are happy and satisfied. 

"After that I was brainstorming and thought why not bring something different again which is the Greek food.

"People ask me on a daily basis when this is going to be opening."

He added: "There are plenty of car parks around the area for customers to use."

In addition, Mr Kyriacou offered to close his van during funerals.

The licence was approved by councillors with conditions for six months. 

One condition includes providing two waste bins on either end of the food van, when it is trading. 

The committee decided that the other issue, closing during funerals, was between Dursley Funeral Directors and Gravity Takeaway.