A fourth fish and chip shop will come to Halstead despite residents’ fears that it could become a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

Councillors unanimously decided at a planning committee meeting at Braintree Council on Tuesday to grant the application to turn a vacant shop, which used to be Pilgrims Natural Wholefoods in Weavers Court, into a takeaway.

The plans were granted without the councillors discussing the application, because it was listed as a “minor” planning application.

Last week, the Times reported that nearby residents were worried that vandalism, noise and rowdiness would escalate if the plans go ahead.

Musician Jan Mellon, who is in country music duo Cardy and Coke and lives in Factory Terrace, said that she had experienced regular vandalism in her street and in the Co-op car park, which she lives opposite.

See this week's Halstead Gazette - out tomorrow - for the full story.