COUNCILLORS and shop owners have vowed to fight a planning application for another takeaway in Darwen.

Coun Paul Browne says there are already too many fast-food outlets in the town for any other to be considered.

The Sudell ward councillor, who is on the planning committee, said he would do all he could to deny the permission.

The application at Blackburn with Darwen Council is for a change of use from a shop and flat to a takeaway shop with living accommodation, in Bridge Street.

Coun Browne said: "We do not need another takeaway. There are so many in Darwen - about 30. We need skips to clear up the rubbish they create from their customers. There is no scope for another.

"I will certainly be bringing up my grievances. It is not a suitable change of purpose."

David Clark, owner of health food shop Natural Choice, a few doors away from the proposed shop, felt he should have been told about the application. He said: "Empty shops need to go and it is good that planning applications are going to the council. But we need shops that are open 9am until 5pm, not more night traders.

"We are struggling in Bridge Street. There are lots of empty shops and some takeaways so we really have little passing trade. I have been here nearly 30 years and should a been consulted."

The applicant is Aspire Homebuilders Ltd, of Rawtenstall, which has built and converted properties into homes across East Lancashire.

No one was today available at the firm to comment.

Coun Browne said he would be raising the issue at tomorrow's planning meeting.

Representations should be made in writing to the Director of Regeneration, Housing and Neighbourhoods, at the town hall, or emailed to planningapplications@ blackburn.gov.uk.