PERMISSION to change an empty office into an Indian restaurant and takeaway has been refused on grounds it would be too noisy and smelly for neighbours.

Yet minutes after councillors made the decision about number 23 Common Lane, in Culcheth, they approved plans to convert the property next door from a residential building into a chiropodists.

Clr George Warburton (LAB - Penketh and Cuerdley) suggested dealing with the chiropodist planning application first so councillors would know who would be affected by the food smells from next door.

"Wouldn't it be prudent to go ahead with the chiropodists first?" he asked planning officials during Wednesday's development control meeting.

But John Groves, development control manager, said it would not make any difference and said they should deal with the takeaway application, which was number one on the agenda, first.

"Even if it is approved, we can't guarantee it will be implemented. Our decision doesn't mean it' s going to happen," he said.

But he later admitted: "If the residential use disappears, the problem with noise and odour goes away".

Councillors voted to refuse the takeaway application on the grounds of noise and smell by a majority of five to three.

Jackie Johnson, of Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council, said it objected because it would add to the parking problems in the village, which, she said, already has enough restaurants, takeaways and pubs.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, a Mr A Hoque, June Clark said that Sainbury's, also in Common Lane, had no objections to anyone using their car park after 6pm', adding that the restaurant and takeaway would open at 5.30pm.

Councillors unanimously voted to approve number 23 to be turned into a chiropodists.