PLANS to convert a convenience store into a chip shop in Kingswinford have been thrown out after a petition with more than 100 signatures was submitted by neighbours.

The proposal to convert the former Lifestyle Express on Wolverhampton Road into a chip shop has been turned down by planners at Dudley Council.

A petition against the proposal with 122 names on was submitted to planners at Dudley Council with concerns centring around an increase in traffic, litter, anti-social behaviour and there being too many takeaways nearby.

Another 25 letters of objection were submitted from individuals citing worries over litter, traffic, smells and odour and opening hours of 11am till 1am Monday to Saturday being inappropriate in a residential area.

One neighbour said the plan had come as a "devastating shock."

They stated there was a public right of way to the side of the shop leading to the Charterfield Estate with a large grassed area which "has been used by groups of youths for the purpose of underage consumption of alcohol, resulting in anti-social behaviour."

They added: "The proposed hot food outlet would no doubt act as a magnet for groups of youths, providing them with the perfect opportunity to buy fish and chips for consumption on the grassed area of the walkway."

Planners listened to concerns and refused the application.

A report states: "The introduction of a hot food takeaway in close proximity to adjoining residential premises would have a significantly detrimental impact on neighbour amenity by way of odour and noise and general disturbance associated with the operation particularly late at night."

It goes on: "Insufficient information has been provided with respect to the impact of the development on the local highway network, as the development is likely to increase the number of vehicles and visitors to the property which could create problems of due to lack of parking and incidents of indiscriminate and illegal parking."

Planners notes state the chip shop would have employed three full-time staff