PEOPLE in Old Kilpatrick have reacted angrily to proposals for a street food market in the village.

Plans have been submitted to West Dunbartonshire Council for a “change of use” for one of the units at the Gavinburn Business Park, a former bus depot on Dumbarton Road.

Applicant James Steel is proposing a contact-free drive-through, takeaway, home-delivery and live music venue.

But people living nearby have voiced concern at the plans, and eight objections have been published on the council’s website so far.

One of the objectors, Janice Hall, said: “We are a quiet residential village. I want to ensure that this event and planning application isn’t allowed as we have many elderly residents along with many frail people due to illness.

Most of the objections mention the poor condition of the building.

A drive-through facility operated by local business Pakora Explorer was provided from a converted horse box at the site earlier this year. But within days that stall was shut down after officials said it did not have the correct licence.

Dumbarton Road resident Thomas Gallacher said: “The street food market was due to be planned as drive-through only.

“This wasn’t the case, as pedestrians were welcome to enter the site and purchase food, thus increasing the footfall in the area which was highly irresponsible due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“We are now faced with broken fences and over-run foliage that had resulted in the place becoming an eyesore.

“The council and volunteer groups keep this village to a high standard. There is no reason that the landlord should not be maintaining this area to adhere to such standards. This should be a priority over adding food stalls.”

Mr Steel said: “The building is very old and was only made for one purpose, so we are trying to give it a new life for the public and the area.

“I understand that the residents may be fearful, but anything that goes there will be an improvement to what is there currently.

“I hope that the residents will see that the event will benefit the area by creating jobs and improving the surroundings.”

A West Dunbartonshire Council spokeswoman said the application was being considered by the authority’s planning department.