Hopes of converting an off-licence into a fish and chip shop have been battered, due to fears of traffic problems for nearby residents.

People living in Hillside Crescent, Holland-on-Sea, were worried customers calling at the takeway in Holland Road would park in their street, as there is no parking allowed before 6pm outside the premises.

And they were backed by Tendring councillors who rejected the plans for Dennis Rendell, despite warnings that it could cost them on appeal.

Planning officer Peter Le Grys said highway officers could see no problem with the application on traffic grounds.

Officers in the planning department also recommended approval of the scheme.

Pierre Oxley (Con, Southcliff) had moved for approval of the plans.

"Let's get real, people still park outside an off-licence, just as much as a fish and chip shop, if not more so," he said.

"I cannot see any problem with the change of use and it seems to me some people are just being killjoys."

Catherine Jessop (Con, Southcliff) said that there was a great deal of opposition from people in Hillside Crescent.

"During the day there is no parking outside the premises and therefore customers will leave their cars in Hillside Crescent," she said. "There will considerable extra traffic if we allow this."

Derek Harper (Lib Dem, Bockings Elm) said councillors had recently rejected a proposal for a day nursery just yards up the road, and another takeway 200 yards away, so they should be consistent.

An application for a fish and chip shop in Carnarvon Road, Clacton, for the same applicant was deferred so councillors could make a site visit.

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