A DECISION to refuse plans to open a takeaway in a vacant building in Earlestown has been overturned on appeal.

In January, St Helens Council’s planning committee turned down an application seeking permission to turn a former shop in Bridge Street into a hot food takeaway.

Planning officers had recommended that planning permission should be granted subject to conditions.

The council received seven letters of objection regarding the plans, including objections from two ward councillors.

Labour Moss Bank councillor Paul Lynch expressed concerns during the meeting about the effect of a takeaway on residents living in the flat directly above the property.

Melanie Hale, the council’s development service manager, argued that bringing back the unit, which has been vacant for more than five years, would contribute to the council’s aim of promoting vitality and viability in Earlestown.

Conversely, public speaker Sarah Henderson argued the development would not contribute to vitality in the town centre, which already has several takeaways.

Elected members voted unanimously to refuse planning permission due to loss of resident amenity and proliferation of hot food takeaways within the area.

However, following a written appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, an executive agency of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the application has been granted subject to conditions.