A florist's shop at London Road, Tarpots is to be turned into a takeaway.

Castle Point Council gave permission to change the use of the premises, near the junction with Hatley Gardens, and for alterations to the shopfront.

However, some councillors were worried about the effect on the area of switching the shop to the new food use.

Councillor Tom Skipp (Con, Appleton) said: "If we approve this, it would affect the integrity of the parade of shops.

"I am concerned we are moving away from the more traditional shops and not providing the best service to our residents."

However, planning committee chairman Councillor Bill Sharp (Con, St James) said: "It isn't up to us to be entrepreneurs and decide what can and can't make money."

Castle Point Mayor, Councillor Chris Freeman (Con, Boyce) said: "A takeaway is much better than seeing an empty shop."

Published Thursday, June 19, 2003

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