RESIDENTS have won a battle to stop a takeaway from opening on their street.

Councillors voted to refuse planning permission for the food outlet in Brunswick Street, Nelson, after people living nearby said the extra traffic would cause mayhem in the area.

The plans had been recommended for approval but about 40 residents packed out Nelson Town Hall to make their feelings clear.

One resident said: “The parking is already a nightmare. It is a lottery whether you get a parking space near your house at night.

“There are also problems with youths hanging around the corner shop a couple of blocks away. That will only increase if this application is approved, leading to anti-social behaviour.”

Dozens of residents had aired their grievances at a public meeting with local councillors the week before the application was discussed at Nelson Area Committee.

Coun Eileen Ansar, who attended that meeting, said parking was a major problem because residents of Walverden Terrace had no front street, and had to park in Brunswick Street.

She said: “I normally support local businesses but this is in the wrong area.

“In a different area I would probably support it, but it is clear the residents do not want this.”

Coun Mohammed Iqbal said: “I have never seen the chamber this packed before, and that shows the strength of feeling in that area.

“We want to support local businesses and Nelson needs local businesses, but we can’t ignore the feelings of people in this chamber who don’t want a takeaway on their street.”