PLANS for burger vans at woodland beauty spots have prompted a backlash and a claim people visiting the countryside don’t want to “pile on calories”.
An application seeking permission to use part of the car parking area at Great Barnets Wood, on the western edge of Chepstow, for a mobile food and drinks van has been made to Monmouthshire County Council.
Environmental body Natural Resources Wales has also asked for permission for a van at the car parking area at Beacon View at Maryland, Trellech near Monmouth which has prompted 21 objections.
Local councillor Louise Brown has objected to the plans for the snack van at the parking area at Great Barnets Wood on the Mounton Brook to Chepstow road.
The Conservative has written to the council’s planning department and said: “The point of a walk in the woods is for healthy exercise not to pile on the calories with beef burger buns.”
She has argued allowing a snack van at Great Barnets Wood would be contrary to the Welsh Government’s well-being of future generations act which has to be considered as part of a planning application, due to her belief unhealthy food would be for sale.
The Shirenewton member has also highlighted concerns over litter and claimed Natural Resources Wales has previously rejected calls for dog fouling bins in the area, instead telling dog walkers to use the “stick and flick method for dog fouling”.
Cllr Brown’s letter stated: “Dog fouling is already a concern in relation to people who walk this wood and combining this with food and drink raises an environmental health concern. For example, a child sitting on a log eating a beef burger next to a dog fouling mess.”
A member of the public has also objected to the plan stating the parking area is too small and a snack van would “undermine the ethos” of the Wye Valley which is a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and harm local pubs and restaurants.
Among those who have objected to the site in Trellech is local member, and Conservative council group leader, Richard John who has also raised concerns over litter and impact on local businesses as well as a lane to the clearing being unsuitable for extra traffic and that it already has to be “patched up” by Monmouthshire council.
He also said a snack van would “disturb” wildlife and Natural Resources Wales has also told the council it is likely there are dormice at the site.
The Narth and District Footpath Group has also objected as it says Beacon View is “an entirely inappropriate location for a food van” while others have said they fear for the “peace and tranquillity” of the area with one stating: “We come to enjoy the views and do not need sustenance or onion smells in the middle of nowhere.”
Concerns at a lack of hand-washing facilities have also been raised.
Wye Valley National Landscapes, which is responsible for protecting the area, has said it has no objections to the applications.
The councillors have asked the applications for change of use planning permission are decided by the council’s planning committee rather than officers under delegated powers.
