A PLAN to convert a former carpet shop into a Chinese takeaway has been refused due to concerns for neighbouring residents.

The proposal to turn half of the old Weymouth Carpets store in Abbotsbury Road into a takeaway was recommended for approval in a report to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council .

Building work was underway to convert half of the ground floor of the store, which is next door to Daniels Fish and Chips, into two shop units, one of which was going to be the takeaway.

The scheme was refused by the planning and traffic committee due to concerns about noise, parking and pollution.

Councillor Christine James said there were already problems in the area, which is predominantly residential. She said: “There are lots of issues with rubbish, noise and pollution.

“There are cars parked right up to the junction – it’s quite dangerous.”