A PLANNING application which was sent into St Helens Council seeking permission to use a vacant retail premises as a “traditional” fish and chip shop has been withdrawn.

What were the plans for?

Proposals for a change of use for the property on Junction Lane, Sutton, were sent to the council in February.

Plans included for alterations to the shopfront and to create a separate access door and installation of a flue extraction system to the rear elevation.

The property is a two-storey mid terraced, described as having been "vacant for a considerable amount of time and was destroyed by burglars and squatters".

The plans added: "Junction Lane itself consists of a mixture of residential and commercial properties with a variety of businesses from cafes and pizzas to hair salons and chemist, laundry services to vape shop to name a few".

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They stated the upper floor of the property has its own access from the street and "has been recently refurbished into living accommodation".

The ground floor will be converted into a fish and chips take away, say the plans.

They added: "Our proposal is to convert the ground floor into a traditional Fish & Chips take away something that the area is short of and the local residents are crying for.

"Traditional fish & chips shops have been replaced by burgers and kebabs which have a negative impact to the health of the society.

"Fish & chips constitute a healthy diet and reduces obesity and other healthy issues.

"The key design aim of the scheme is to enhance and contribute positively to the shops that serve the local area and not to be antagonistic to other existing businesses".

Objections submitted

The application attracted some objection letters from residents, who questioned the need for the proposed fish and chip shop takeaway in the area.

One stated: “Do you think that this small community needs yet another takeaway as we already have ten including two traditional English chippys and 1 cafe in such short walking distance”.

Application withdrawn

A decision notice on the council planning portal confirms the application has been withdrawn.

A reason for the withdrawal has not been cited.  Council planners add if the applicant intends to resubmit the proposals, it is suggested they speak to the case officer to discuss amendments or revisions to the proposals.