RESIDENTS and traders in a market town fear there could be an increase in weekend violence if plans for a new takeaway restaurant are approved.

Many people living in Pickering are up in arms over proposals for a new food outlet planned for Eastgate.

A planning application has been submitted to Ryedale District Council by Ahmet Tamar to open a fast-food takeaway shop, but it is already meeting resistance from locals.

Resident Frank Doyle, who lives near the proposed site, said the plans could lead to an increase in violence in that part of the town.

"To allow large numbers of people, often fuelled by alcohol, to congregate so close to the busiest roads and intersection in Pickering would be foolhardy," he said.

Tony Stuttard, from Ryedale District Council's environmental health services, is also opposing the scheme on the grounds that drinkers gathering at the site at night would disturb neighbours.

"Experience has shown that public house leavers who frequent such takeaways will congregate in the area to eat their meals," he said.

The proposals, which are due to go before the authority's northern area planning committee today, have been revised after a similar scheme was rejected on appeal earlier this year.

Appeal inspectors ruled a proposed flue on the buildingwould be visually intrusive and the latest application has amended that feature.

However, planning officers are still recommending that councillors throw out the latest plans.

"The proposed use would have an unacceptable adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties," said a planning officer's report.

"The proposed flue, to remove cooking smells, would be detrimental to the character of the listed building and to the conservation area."

But Mike Punchard, who has drawn up plans on behalf of the applicant, said concerns about noise and smell had been addressed.

"The applicant has consulted a specialist flue manufacturer to devise a more acceptable design," he said.