PLANS for a Chinese takeaway in an empty shop in Cam have been approved despite concerns about parking.

Planning bosses at Stroud District Council have granted permission for a disused shop on the High Street to be turned into a takeaway as long as double yellow lines are extended on the road.

The application for the change of use was made by business owners Ying and Loung Vien, who currently run the New Hoo Wah Chinese takeaway in Berkeley.

The couple plan to refurbish the old shop, which has been boarded up for more than 15 years, and reopen it as a takeaway.

Humphrey Mpezeni, planning officer for Stroud recommended the application for approval last month despite the authority receiving 26 letters and just two letters in support.

The main concern for local people was that customers would park on the High Street’s junction with Knapp Lane and cause an obstruction.

However, Gloucestershire Highways did not object to the proposal as long as Mr and Mrs Vien agreed to pay for double yellow lines to be extended along the High Street and Knapp Lane junction.

Concern was also raised that Cam did not need another takeaway in the town centre, which already has pizza and fish and chips takeaways, but this view was not shared by community leaders or Stroud’s planning officers.

Cam Parish Council supported the application and welcomed the addition of a Chinese takeaway to the High Street.

In its response to the application the parish council said: "It will bring a premises which has been empty and deteriorating for at least 15 years back into useful use and might bring new jobs into the community."

In his report Mr Mpezeni wrote: "This would certainly bring about variety to the High Street and would not cause any undue competition especially if trading in similar products.

"It is therefore considered that the proposed change of use would in fact enhance the retail function of the centre."