PROTESTORS against a milkshake bar condemned as a magnet for anti-social behaviour have welcomed a last-minute decision to withdraw its request for a 2am licence.

Cakes and Shakes in Loughton High Road opened in August without planning permission, and residents were horrified at the prospect of it staying open so late.

But just hours before councillors were due to hear his case, owner Moshin Khalid withdrew the application.

Mary Froud, of the Drive, Loughton was among more than 70 nearby residents who complained about the potential late opening for the outlet which sells soft drinks and takeaway food.

She said: “As far as I'm concerned I'm thrilled he's withdrawn it. It's completely inappropriate to have anywhere there open to 2am. All the side streets back on to residential properties.

"The form of the High Road has already changed drastically and there continue to be problems with anti-social behaviour. From a resident's point of view that's not a lot of fun. Sometimes it can spill out on to the side roads.”

Cakes and Shakes' owner Moshin Khalid opened his outlet, on the site of a former clothes shop, without planning permission for a change of use from retail to takeaway food.

Loughton Residents Association vice-chairman David Linnell said that the number of takeaways in the High Road already exceeded the council’s own planning rules.

He added: “The idea they have put forward about revitalising the High Road is nonsense. There's certainly enough, if not too many, eating places in the High Road. To revitalise it you'd need more retail premises.”

Mrs Froud said: “If people can take out a lease on a shop and totally ignore the local plan, that's a farce. I take total exception to that. I don't know why you have laws if you can just break them.”

A response from Mr Khalid's solicitor is expected tomorrow (October 6).