NEW fish and chip shop plans for Parkgate Lane in Knutsford have sparked opposition and support.

Planning approval is being sought by Michael Lucas from Handforth for a change of use at J H Oakes and Son shoe repairers at 6 Parkgate Lane to an A5 food takeaway.

The fish and chip shop would be open from 11am to 8.45pm Monday to Saturday, and would employ two full-time and eight part-time staff.

Planning permission for the change of use is being sought from Cheshire East Council, and comments on the scheme, reference 19/1691M, can be submitted on the council’s planning portal until May 8.

The application for a change of use sparked numerous comments on social media backing the plans, as well as opposition from residents on the planning portal relating to the scheme.

A resident from Parkgate said: “There is already a fast food takeaway two doors from the proposed development, plus two more on the Longridge estate, quarter of a mile away.

“Traffic along Parkgate Lane can get very congested and is bound to increase if the planned housing development further down the lane goes ahead.

“Many of those who shop there then turn round at the entrance to Parkgate and cause further congestion.”

A resident from Warren Avenue said: “I object to this application on the basis that there is a glut of fast food takeaway establishments already operating in Knutsford which already cause littering issues and traffic problems.

“There has been recently approved a fish and chip shop in Knutsford which is due to open this month.”

A Glebelands Road resident said: “We have too many fast food shops restaurants in this area. The mess on the streets is a good sign there are just too many.”

The scheme attracted numerous comments on social media.

Lyn Pipe-wolferstan said: “Yes please, if it's really good. Lymm chippy is great, but we need one closer in Knutsford.”

Jenny Carter said: “Great idea but only if it’s decent quality. I’m originally from Yorkshire where we have the best fish and chips.”

Kim Anne Berta said: “Would be perfect and make a great trade especially where it is.”

Margaret Gladwell “We’ve needed a decent chippy since The Friary shut.”

Anthony Jardine said: “11am is early for a chippy to open and 8.45 is early for a chippy to shut. However, it’d be a welcome addition.”