THE owner of a Birchwood business says he is planning to appeal against a planners' decision preventing him from opening a fish and chip shop.

Chris Brownsell, who owns the former Junction Youth Club at Oakwood with two partners, had an application to develop the premises turned down by the borough council's development control committee - against the recommendation of the planning officers.

He said: "I was most disappointed with the outcome of the meeting.

"Having worked for nine months and after meeting with the approval of the planning officers, environmental health and the legal department, it finally came down to a casting vote from the committee chairman and was refused.

"I have a petition signed by 1,040 residents who were for a chip shop. People in Birchwood currently have to travel four miles to Culcheth or two-and-a-half miles to Padgate for English fish and chips.

"I am planning to appeal and I am seeking legal advice.

''I will be contacting the MP and organising a mail shot to enlist support from residents."

Parish Councillor David Eccles spoke at the meeting on behalf of objectors.

He said his main worries were the effect on surrounding residents with particular references to the litter, smells, noise and disturbance, highway and personal safety, and that a Grampian Order, which allowed only employees to live in the above flats, was not enforceable.

He also spoke about the petition obtained by the owner.

He said: "The petition includes people who are not living in the locality," he said.

"And the applicant has suggested using a litter picker and a security camera. The amount of resources for this take-away to operate successfully seem to be excessive."