Plans for a new fish and chip shop have been recommended for refusal ahead of a decision-making meeting.

Proposals were submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department last year to convert 91 Elwick Road into a hot food takeaway.

The application from Manminder Singh Dhatt states he identified the premises “as a perfect site for his fish and chip shop”.

According to proposals, the conversion would create two full-time jobs and one part-time role at the site which was last used as a beauty salon providing training opportunities, which closed in 2022.

The application is to go before the council’s planning committee for a decision next Wednesday (March 13). However, a report from officers ahead of the meeting is recommending the proposals are refused.

It states: “The application site is located within a largely residential area and not in a designated retail centre.

“The proposed development is also considered to conflict with local plan policy requirements with respect to undermining efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and would have a negative impact on public health.”

The council’s public health department has submitted an objection to the application, raising concerns it would “contribute to poor health and health inequalities through the increase in the availability of high fat and sugar foods”.

They added the town “already has a high number of takeaway and fast food outlets”.

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Three objections have also been submitted from residents, including a petition with around 10 signatures, who raised concerns over issues such as parking, traffic, littering and noise.

A planning statement in support of the application argues it would deliver “additional diversity of food providers” and include “healthier options”.

It adds work would “regenerate the property and bring it back into use to provide a local service”.