Councillors today defended their decision to give the thumbs up to a tattoo and body piercing parlour opposite a South Woodham Ferrers school.

Chairman of the development control sub-committee Christine Rycroft, speaking after last night's meeting, said: "Most of us were against it on moral grounds, but under planning laws there was nothing we could do to refuse it. People were concerned that it was located so near a school but it was on a first floor, not downstairs."

The governing body of the William de Ferrers School was among 34 objectors concerned about the scheme claiming it was "not the sort of business desired in South Woodham Ferrers - especially not in a location opposite the main entrance to a school and next to a toy and sweet shop, designed to encourage the custom of youngsters."

Another objector said: "The availability of the service would attract undesirables and encourage undesirable behaviour."

Council officers recommended approval for the scheme, pointing out that the behaviour of customers was not a planning issue.

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