A LEIGH fish and chip shop could be forced to remove its ventilation system after installing a huge silver tube without planning permission.

Councillors on Southend’s development control committee have been recommended to approve enforcement action against Leigh Chippy, in Leigh Road, over external extract ducting and flue to the rear of the business.

Photos included in the agenda of the meeting show the large silver flue and documents state “moving the flue in its entirety” is the only option to address the “breach of planning control” after it was installed without permission.

Daniel Cowan, leader of Southend Council, said: “Enforcement action is often a last resort for our planning department and they have raised significant concerns about the external ducting at these premises. Our planning officers are highly trained and work hard with residents and businesses on their planning applications to get the best mutual outcome.

“It is important that planning permission is granted before work is carried out and we encourage all to consider using our pre-application service to help pre-empt any issues or concerns. This is now a matter for our development control committee to consider.”

The council first received a complaint in October 2020 over the installation of a new ventilation and extractor system.

In February the following year the council informed the takeaway owners that they needed to submit a planning application. However, the first application submitted in November 2021 was declared invalid due to a lack of information. A second planning application was also marked invalid.

Despite repeated requests, including a final reminder in December 2023, no valid planning application has been submitted.

The report adds: “In considering a planning application for such equipment, it would be expected that full details, specifications and the location of the equipment, as well as a noise impact assessment and odour risk assessment measures. No valid planning application demonstrating that the impacts of the unauthorised equipment are acceptable and/ or that its impacts can suitably be controlled through planning conditions.”

The issue will be debated on Wednesday.