RESIDENTS' concerns prompted councillors to reject plans to convert a shop into a hot food takeaway in Darlington.

Members of Darlington Borough Council's planning applications committee received four letters of objection to the plan for 124-126 Gladstone Street, at the junction with Easson Road.

The committee was told the area contains a mixture of residential properties, shops and hot food takeaways.

Among the concerns were that there are already too many takeaways in Gladstone Street, litter levels are high, and the takeaway will attract more late-night customers.

Councillors refused permission, saying their opposition was because the takeaway would be detrimental to the amenities of nearby residents by reason of noise and general disturbance