PLANS to turn premises at 84 Lambourne Road, Chigwell, into a Chinese takeaway have been given the go-ahead by district councillors.

The detached building, with a flat above, is in a small parade of shops. It was previously a butchers, but has stood empty for 18 months. The shop will be the second fast-food outlet in the area, which is already served by an Indian take-away next door, at 82 Lambourne Road.

Concerns were raised about the effect on neighbouring properties regarding noise and smell. However planning officers say this can be control by environmental health officers, and an extraction duct has been installed to help limit smells.

A letter of objection raised concerns that the takeaway could lead to vandalism, but officers said that in a previous case, which went to appeal, a planning inspector concluded a properly regulated takeaway should not lead to unsociable conditions.