An aspiring takeaway boss after a slice of late-night alcohol sales wants to open a pizza shop selling booze until 3am six nights a week.

Homayon Shafiei has submitted a bid to launch Pizza 2night near the Westgate Towers.

But the application for the former Magic Chef Chinese restaurant is already facing fierce opposition.

Cllr Michael Dixey, who represents Westgate ward, says it bears similarities to a bid from pizza giant Domino’s to open at the former NatWest bank in the same street.

That application was rejected three times because of fears over late-night noise and the impact on the area.

“We’ve got to get that balance right between the residents and the night-time economy,” Cllr Dixey said.

“The council now only grants the sale of alcohol up to 11.30pm and we’re doing that with all licensing applications that come in.

“We’re already seeing this is making a difference to the city centre. I can’t see why this application should be any different.”

“We’ve got to get that balance right between the residents and the night-time economy...” Cllr Dixey

Mr Shafiei wants to open until 3.30am from Monday to Saturday, and 12.30am on Sundays.

Cllr Dixey says he has already objected to the plans to prevent a public nuisance and noise, and suggested any alcohol sales should end at 11.30pm, with food served until midnight.

Allen Tullett, chairman of the St Dunstan’s Residents’ Association, also has concerns.

“It doesn’t sit well in this area with the neighbouring residential properties or the other businesses,” he said.

“Even 1am might marry up with other takeaways in that area, but 3am and 3.30am wouldn’t.

“At least with a Domino’s or Pizza Hut we could have a little bit of faith in how it would be controlled, as they wouldn’t want to damage their reputation.”

The prospective takeaway sits next to the fire-hit Westgate Kebabs, which has been closed and boarded up since it was damaged in a devastating blaze in 2017.

When open, it served food until the early hours.

To comment on the plans, visit www.canterbury.gov.uk.

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