A TAKEAWAY cannot be opened below flats in Loftus, councillors have ruled.

A 104-name petition protesting against the change of use application for the West Road premises was received by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's planning committee.

The objections included increased levels of traffic, noise, litter, smell and the possibility of disorder.

Loftus Town Council also objected to the scheme on the grounds of traffic safety and the effect the takeaway would have on nearby residents, in particular an elderly tenant of the flat above.

Similar applications have also been rejected because of adjoining residential accommodation.

Borough councillor Mary Lanigan said: "There is not a need for any more takeaways. The parking is non-existent and we have a lot of residential properties in that area.

"Loftus has already got two takeaways and two fish shops. I think that is sufficient."