A FISH and chip shop is set to open in Oxhey after more than 460 locals signed a petition supporting the venture.

An application to turn an empty shop in Chalk Hill into a take-away was agreed by Watford Council's development control committee on Monday night.

The shop, which has been empty for up to four years, will be run by Mr Santoich Sidhu who has run the next door convenience store for 11 years.

However, not everyone welcomed the plan. Letters of objection and a petition signed by more than 40 people were handed to Watford council by objectors who feared it would lead to litter on the streets, nasty smells and parking problems.

Former Watford mayor Geoffrey Greenstreet said: "There is a major parking problem in the area, which this application will only make worse."

But Mr Sidhu, of Chalk Hill, said: "Most of my customers will walk to my shop and I hope any car borne trade will be unlikely to be significant enough to have any adverse impact on the local highway network."

He added: "There is no other traditional fish and chip shop within close proximity."

Mr Sidhu agreed to abide by planning conditions which would limit his opening hours to 10.30pm, ensure smells were contained and a litter bin provided.

The committee backed the application but imposed a further condition preventing a gaming machine being installed. Councillor Sheila Jones said a machine would encourage youths to hang around.

August 22, 2002 17:30