A distraught food trader has said that she is emotionally and physically drained after her trader’s licence for a popular Bracknell kebab van was rejected for the second time.

Anil Bunker, licence holder for the popular food van B and B Plus Kebab’s, located on Crowthorne Road North, has built up a good reputation over several years.

After applying for the renewal of their street licence for their existing pitch at Coopers Hill, the owner was shocked to learn of the refusal alongside no suggestion for re-location.

Ms Bunker fears it could mean the closure of the five-star food truck that has built up an established customer base in Bracknell through the years.

She explained: “This is the second time one of our licences has been refused since our previous pitch at Bull Lane and I am just so devastated and disappointed.

“We try to live our lives and be good residents and traders, and yet now we are being forced into financial ruin.

“Since we located to Crowthorne Road North we havn't had any complaints about noise or smells from locals. We find that the noise from the train station and nearby car park cause more disruption.”

Before Covid, Ms Bunker was the owner of another food van and licence located in Bracknell Forest.

Due to the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis, she recently sold the second licence in order to dedicate her focus to B and B Plus Kebabs only.

She said: “I put all my efforts into being an independent trader and now because the council has refused to help us find a new pitch, we are being put in debt and being forced to close.

“It is completely ruining our livelihood.”

According to a letter sent to Ms Bunker from Bracknell Forest Council, the application was rejected on the terms that the van will 'deter potential buyers away from the new Coopers Hill development' that will be marketed in 2023.

It said what is now the Coopers Hill community centre will be front gardens of residential houses that would be directly impacted because of the kebab van being in situ.

However, Ms Bunker argues that the van is pitched closer to the electric station on the same road which will in fact not cause a disruption for future residents.

Bracknell Forest Council assistant director for contract services Damian James said: “Currently, there is trading consent for a kebab van in the restricted parking bays on Crowthorne Road North. However, as there is significant building work on the Coopers Hill site taking place at the moment, that road has been shut to keep everyone as safe as possible and to enable new road junctions to be created.  

“The road is likely to remain closed until February. Once it is reopen, the restricted parking bays will be located very close to the new homes on the site.

“As per our street trading consent policy, given that the site will be changing from a community centre to a new neighbourhood of more than 50 homes, we will have to review if it is an appropriate location for a kebab van.”

A local resident has said that this will be a devastating loss to the community.

Paul Day, who is a frequent visitor and diner at the food van said: “This is devastating for both the owners and the community who have come to know it.

“It is a five-star awarded food business that has never had any issues with noisy customers, shouting or causing criminal damage which was one of the objections.

“The business has built up such an established clientele at the current location and is sometimes frequented by emergency workers within Bracknell town."

The council has received a renewal application from B&B, which the licencing panel will consider against all relevant trading consents and policies in the new year.