Radio café where Sir Jackie Stewart was a customer could become a takeaway

The seafront café where motor racing great Sir Jackie Stewart first met his wife looks set to be come a hot food takeaway.

The three-time Formula 1 world champion was 17 when he met Helen McGregor Dino’s Radio Café in Helensburgh – they have now been married for more than 60 years.

Dino’s moved next door to a larger shop some years ago and the original premises have been standing empty since then, protected by roller blinds.

Argyll and Bute Council planners are being asked to approve an approve an application for change of use to a hot food takeaway and the installation of a flue.

A supporting statement by MH Planning Associates admits that a ‘hot food shop’ is classed as a potential ‘bad neighbour’ development ands that it would be underneath flats.

But it adds: “When considering all applications, the residential amenity of surrounding residents must be taken into consideration, and it is inevitable that residents in this area will already experience a certain amount of noise and disturbance given the nature of the neighbouring uses on the part of West Clyde Street (which includes La Jupe, the ‘new’ Dino’s, La Barca, The Ruby, Padrone and the Oriental Express).

“Levels of noise and disturbance will be higher than experienced in quiet residential streets, and outwith the control of the applicant.

“While it is accepted that there may be concerns expressed regarding cooking smells and increased levels of activity, the application site is within a town centre location where such issues are to be expected.”

It states that there is not expected to be any impact on the town’s conservation area, adding: “The application property is one of a number of established commercial units fronting this part of West Clyde Street.

“It is not considered that there will be any adverse impact upon residential amenity.”

More details are on the council’s website – the reference number is 23/00821/PP