PART of the Thistle Tavern in Dunfermline is to become a hot food takeaway despite a number of objections.

The pub at 191 Baldridgeburn is owned by Punch Taverns who have been granted permission by Fife Council for the new venture.

The application was considered at the West Planning Committee as it attracted 17 letters of objection.

There were concerns about more noise and anti-social behaviour from customers and an increase in litter and parking problems.

Others pointed out that there were already a number of takeaways in the area and the Thistle’s food offer would attract more school pupils and lead to more noise and road safety issues. A previous application, from last year, was withdrawn after concerns were raised by Fife Council’s Public and Environmental Protection Team.

One objector wrote: “The last thing I want to see is drunk people staggering around with their meal, dropping food everywhere in the street. The litter problem is only going to increase and food lying in the road will attract vermin.

“They obviously hope at lunch times to attract school children, I am not looking forward to the thought of what that entails as Scotmid is a no go area for residents at school lunch time because of the crowding.

“It is very worrying that the takeaway could become a night time meeting place for teenagers leaving me open to even more anti-social behaviour.”

A report to the committee said an acoustic report had been submitted, noted that the takeaway would close before the pub and concluded that it “would not have any significant impact” with regards to noise.

The transportation department had no objections on road safety or parking and the report said several bins would be provided to cope with any litter problems.

The council concluded: “In summary, it was found to be in an acceptable location and has been designed to minimise any potential disamenity.”

The proposed opening hours are Monday to Sunday, 4.30pm to 11pm, as well as 12.30pm to 2pm Monday to Friday.