A CHIP shop in Worcester's Newtown Road has been given the green light - 16 years after the first attempt.

Four previous planning applications to convert a shop at 41 Newtown Road had come to nothing.

But on this occasion, the applicants sent Worcester City Council a list of neighbours who had no objection to the proposals.

Last month, the council's planning committee had been "minded to approve" the scheme but had delayed a decision while possible conditions were considered.

When the matter was put before the committee again, several councillors remained unhappy, fearing noise and smell could prove problems.

"I think permission for takeaways ought to be given reluctantly," said Coun Ray Turner.

"The people who suffer aren't necessarily those who live opposite. These outlets can affect people living further up the road, who have to cope with the litter once customers have finished their food."

But they were outvoted. The council has said the chip shop should stop serving at 11pm between Monday and Saturday, and must not trade on Sundays or Bank Holidays.

Modern ventilation equipment is also to be installed.

However, the committee was not prepared to give permission for a hot food van, which has been trading at Newtown Road, to continue to do business outside the premises.

Councillors turned down the request, insisting the area in front of the shop should be landscaped and car parking spaces laid.