A family-run pizza van business, Vesuvio on the Road, has been granted a temporary six-month street trading licence to operate outside St Pius X Roman Catholic Church in Norbiton, South London. 

The decision by Kingston Council’s licensing committee on 29th July came despite 34 formal objections citing concerns over parking loss, litter, noise, and the suitability of a food van so close to a place of worship, as reported by MyLondon.

Neil Zoladkiewicz, representing church members including Father Alfred Ebalu, opposed the plan, stating the location is "totally inappropriate" and that the van would "create a totally different environment around the church which is currently a calm and relatively peaceful environment".

He also warned it could encourage anti-social behaviour, noting recent improvements in reducing such incidents nearby.

In response, Alessandra Rea, who runs the business with her husband, assured the council that they would maintain cleanliness, provide bins, manage noise levels, and serve mainly local families.

The council approved a slightly reduced operating schedule of 5.30pm to 10pm from Tuesday to Friday, and added conditions to avoid trading on Holy Days of Obligation or during church funerals with proper notice.

Independent councillor James Giles said: "If there’s the emergence of too much noise, anti-social behaviour, smells, it will not get a permanent licence."