OBJECTIONS have been raised over plans to turn a former Darlington barber shop into a takeaway.

Plans have been submitted to Darlington Borough Council to turn the former barber shop in Belvedere Road, Darlington, into a hot food takeaway.

The shop has been boarded up for around 15 years and the proposals include plans for a new shop front to the front and side of the building.

Nearby residents have raised a number of concerns over the plans, including fears the takeaway would attract antisocial behaviour and lead to an increase in traffic and noise problems.

Andrew Burgess, of Clifton Road, said there are already a large number of takeaways on nearby Victoria Road, including pizza shops, curry houses and Chinese takeaways.

“We really don't need any more,” he said.

He also raised concerns that rats may be attracted to the proposed takeaway.

He added: “There is a large rat problem in the area already and having food remains will only encourage them more.”

Environmental health officers at the authority said they have no objections to the application in principal, but raised concerns over its location in a residential area.

They have recommended a number of conditions are imposed if planning permission is granted.

The application will be considered by planning officers at the council after the period for comments from the public has closed.