Overview

• South Ribble Borough Council denied Smokies' planning and listed building applications, citing proximity to schools and impact on Dunkirk Hall's appearance.
• The burger van operates near four primary schools and one preschool, which the council deemed within 'walking distance' under national anti-obesity guidance.
• Owners Sam Carroll and Aaron Millar plan to appeal the decision within the six-month window and propose relocating the van within the car park.
• The closure would force Smokies to halve its 18-person workforce, raising concerns about the sustainability of the small business.
• Local obesity rates and heritage preservation rules influenced the decision, with similar cases reported in Blackburn and Bacup under similar regulations.