A controversial bid to open a fish and chip shop, takeaway and restaurant in a residential area has been narrowly blocked after protests.
Campaigners who packed into a meeting of Tendring councillors celebrated as the planning bid in Holland Road, Clacton, was refused by nine votes to eight.
Council planners had recommended that the change of use application for the ground floor of the property on the corner of Gainsford Avenue be approved.
Roy Smith (Community Representatives, Golf Green) told members of the development control committee: 'We need this like a hole in the head.'
Such businesses should be kept in commercial areas, he argued, and 'it could spell disaster for the local population.'
The site currently has planning permission as a long-established corner shop. The proposed restaurant would have 16 seats and four tables. The applicant proposed to close at 8.30pm each night but residents worried this would be increased.
Published Wednesday July 14, 2004
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