PLANNERS have given the go-ahead for the former Ethel Austin fashion shop at Stockton Heath to be converted into a restaurant.
The proposals were opposed by Stockton Heath Parish Council – but borough planning bosses approved the scheme after hearing it would create 15-20 jobs.
Planners visited the site before reaching their decision.
The parish council argued that the property was one of the few retail premises remaining in part of London Road.
They believed its loss would damage the village shopping centre’s day-time economy.
There were also concerns about noise disturbance and smells affecting adjacent properties and problems caused by vehicles parking in London Road.
But planning officers said the loss of a single retail unit would cause no harm to the vitality of the village centre.
Greenlight for restaurant plan
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its about time that these planners realised that shoppers are just as important as diners!