PLANS for a former takeaway shop to be converted into a restaurant and shisha bar have been thrown out by Colchester Council.

The applicant at the former FA Charcoal Grill, in North Station Road, Colchester, applied for a change of use which sought after becoming a new hotspot for food, drink and shisha.

The applicant also wanted to make minor alterations to street elevation and signage.

However, Colchester Council refused the plans after being concerned about the overspill of customers into the property's outdoor area, due to the limited space inside.

It explained this would result in the "intensification of outdoor activities" which would “dominate” the site and noise would disturb close-by residents.

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Regarding the street elevation and signage, the council said this would include the loss of the glazing bars and result in a blind appearance to the openings.

The fully enclosed yard was deemed to be excessive and uncharacteristic in the conservation.