A former Halesowen greengrocer’s has been refused permission to change into a Chinese takeaway after more than 600 people objected.

The shop, on the corner of Howley Grange Road and Goodrest Road, has stood empty for a number of years, and owner Kevin Thai had applied for a change of use.

Dudley Council planning officers decided that the plans, in particular the installation of an extraction flue, would impact on the view of people living nearby.

While several residents sent individual letters of objection, Seatl Singh, owner of Howley Grange Fish Bar, put a petition in his shop and collected almost 600 signatures.

Mr Singh said: “A further fast food outlet here would cause traffic disruption, noise, pollution and litter. It will also be an attraction for anti-social behaviour.

“In the current climate my business is already suffering and another fast food outlet would directly affect my business.”

A nearby resident pointed out that to allow a takeaway to be set up there would violate council policy not to have 50 per cent of the same kind of shop in a parade, as there are only four shops along that road.

They added: “There are already numerous takeaways within the immediate area supplying Chinese, Cantonese, Indian, Italian and British cuisine.

“We are also extremely concerned about the problem of parking, which is already an issue due to the medical centre in Goodrest Avenue, the flats and certain shops in Howley Grange Road.”

The plans would have included extension to the living accommodation so Mr Thai could live on-site, and the flue which would have run alongside the chimney, finishing one metre above the top of the roof.

In their decision notice, planning officers said the flue would be highly visible both from the front and the side.“With its stark metallic appearance and prominence within the street scene, the flue will unduly impact on visual amenity.”