ANGRY fish and chip shop owner Keith Harvey is battling against the change of use of an empty premises into takeaway.The former butchers on Ulster Avenue could be turned into a kebab shop if planning permission gets the go-ahead.

By Amanda Cresswell

ANGRY fish and chip shop owner Keith Harvey is battling against the change of use of an empty premises into takeaway.

The former butchers on Ulster Avenue could be turned into a kebab shop if planning permission gets the go-ahead.

Mr Harvey of Whitehouse Takeaway, which has traded for 23 years, said customers have already voiced their concerns.

He already considering putting a petition in his front window in the hope that councillors will take note.

Mr Harvey said: "I think it is terrible. It is absolutely disgusting. I have been here for God knows how long and there is just not room for two takeaways on the parade.

"I think the council are letting it for the sake of it. There are five shops down here and to have two as takeaways is just not necessary. There's kebab shops opening up next door to takeaways all over.

"In three weeks time there is a Pizza Hut opening up within half a mile from us and a Kentucky Fried Chicken place.

"People all down the street have been angry about the prospect of it being a takeaway. They are worried about the late nights. There is enough trouble here as it is. It is disgraceful."

Ulster Avenue businesses have already been notified about the possible change of use in writing.

Ipswich Council's head of development control, Mike Smith, said the application is expected to go before the planning meeting on July 31.