AN APPEAL over refused plans to turn a former newsagents into a takeaway has been thrown out.

Earlier this year, Hyndburn Council planning committee members refused permission to convert the old newsagents on Plantation Street in Accrington into a takeaway restaurant.

But developers lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate in a bid to get the decision overturned.

There was opposition to the application because of its proximity to Benjamin Hargreaves primary school, insufficient parking and traffic congestion on Plantation Street because it is a main route into Accrington town centre.

Developers said although there is a Chinese takeaway and chip shop next door, there are no other takeaways in the area.

The applicant had proposed opening times of 7am-2pm and 3pm-11pm on Monday to Friday and 7am-2pm and 3pm to 1am on weekends.

Government planning inspector Andrew McGlone found he agreed with the council's decision.

He said: "The proposed opening and closing times at the start and at the end of the day are of concern as the period before, during and after is a more sensitive time of day when noise levels are lower.

"A condition could ensure that the proposed takeaway is not open when young people at school are likely to visit.

"However, it is reasonable for residents to expect peace and quiet at the times of day when it is proposed to open and close the premises.

"Whilst there is a takeaway at No 57, and there is no evidence of any existing noise and disturbance issues associated with this use, the proposal would have a significant effect on nearby residents living conditions due to the proposed evening hours across the week.

"Particular harm would be caused to those residents living next door to the premises."

"Despite my findings in respect of odour and noise from deliveries, and the proposal's compliance with a number of criteria, I conclude that the proposed hot food takeaway would cause significant harm to the living conditions of nearby residents, with regards to noise and disturbance, and on-street parking.

"Overall, I do not consider that this otherwise unacceptable development could be made acceptable through the use of conditions."