Takeaway is closed over 'jet' noise

Edinburgh's first Lebanese takeaway has been forced to shut due to complaints from neighbours fed up with an extractor fan which sounded like a "jet engine".

The Beirut Express and adjoining Beirut restaurant have been served with a temporary stop notice after officers from the city council found that an extractor fan on the rear of the property was causing excessive noise and vibration, causing annoyance day and night for the residents above the Marshall Street business.

Councillor Gordon Mackenzie said: "The problem was they had a ventilation system that sounded like a jet engine taking off, according to those who heard it. It caused a great deal of distress for the neighbours, so the planning officers moved in and closed them down."

The property, just off the popular Nicolson Square, also does not have the necessary planning permission to operate as a takeaway. This meant that Beirut was in breach of the conditions of the original planning consent, forcing the services for communities and services for planning to take action.

The owner of Beirut was unavailable for comment.