A planning application to convert a former pie and sandwich shop on Biddulph High Street into a takeaway selling kebabs and pizzas has been given the thumbs down by the council.

The plans were submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council by a Mr Emrah Karapinar, and relate to the former Wrights Pies shop at 95 High Street.

The shop was run by the Wrights Pies company until 2019, but it was then turned into a sandwich shop called Woods.

However, Woods in turn then also closed its doors in Biddulph in September last year, and the shop has remained vacant since then.

The plans aimed to turn the building into a takeaway, this time selling pizzas and kebabs, but they have now been refused by the district council.

A statement prepared as part of the application explained: "Wrights Pies operated the out let up to 2019 selling pies and pizzas as they do at their Chell shop.

"Mr Woods took over from Wrights and continued to sell pies, sandwiches, hot breakfasts and Oatcakes until 2021.

"The proposed use of the outlet as a Kebab and pizza takeaway will have an extract above the cooking facilities."

The plans proved controversial among local residents, with the council receiving a total of 52 letters relating to the application.

Many of the letters objected to the application, with those against the plans feeling that there were already too many takeaways in the town.

However, several letters were also received which supported the plans.

The plans were refused today (Wednesday 17th August) by the district council's planning officers.

The reasons for their refusal have not yet finished uploading on the council's planning portal on its website but we will be sure to update this story once they are available.