The following statement is from Cllr Joshua  Schumann, Chairman of Planning Committee:

"Given the recent coverage and social media comments regarding fast food outlets coming to Ely as part of the cinema development, the Council felt it would help to clarify matters regarding the current status of the application and development.

"In April 2015, a multiplex cinema development was approved containing details of food outlets which were outlined in the plans http://pa.eastcambs.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=NG403PGGJVV00.

"This application had been through extensive pre-planning consultation by the developer which included an open event at Ely College on the 1 July 2014 and also had sessions with students.

"This was followed by the statutory three week consultation process as part of the planning process when anyone who had any thoughts, comments and suggestions regarding the plans had their opportunity to come forward.

"As part of this work, an independent viability appraisal was also commissioned which highlighted how the cinema would only be economically viable if it were supported by the associated food outlets. .

"The site to be used had also been identified as being suitable for a multiplex cinema development as part of the Local Plan allocation (policy ELY10)  and the applicant carried out a sequential site test as part of the application which concluded there were no other more sequentially-preferable sites available.

"Following a discussion in the Committee, the plans were approved unanimously by the Committee http://www.eastcambs.gov.uk/sites/default/files/minutes/pl010415min.pdf
 
"In recent weeks, the Council has received additional applications from the developer. These applications include signage for the food outlets in the site, alongside non material amendments for alterations to the exterior of some of the buildings and a variation of condition application to make amendments to the exterior of KFC and the BREEAM Report.

"These applications are currently going through the planning process. The signage applications will be assessed in the interests of amenity and public safety.

"A number of questions have been raised following reports of the restaurant operators in the local media. It should be stressed - as it has been on social media - that planning permission has been given for the food outlets. The current applications are classed as being for minor amendments which even if they are  refused would not prevent the outlets being built.

"It has been suggested the distance between the approved restaurants is roughly 350m. While the site is in a borderline of 400m to travel from the college to the outlets either on foot, bike or car would be a journey of beyond 400m.

"There has also been speculation that the plans for the whole site could be revisited and a new approach should be taken. To confirm, the council does not have the power to revisit an application unless the developer resubmits their application or wishes to make changes to their plans through non material amendments or variation of conditions. We cannot revise or request changes following the granting of permission.

"We do not wish to undermine any local campaign or petition but we feel it is important to set reasonable expectations about what can be achieved given the current circumstances.

"We have offered to meet the organisers of the petition and happily they have agreed so we can discuss the various points they have and clarify any questions they have regarding the process.

"However we would stress that approval for the food outlets has already been given and the choice of the companies which fill these spaces is entirely in the hands of the developer. The Council does not and cannot get involved in this selection process and we only judge applications in terms of use not the proposed operators involved."