A CITY centre takeaway has got permission to open until 3am.

The proposal for Barcelos Piri Piri, in Jewry Street, Winchester, attracted a number of objections over fears of increased anti-social behaviour and more illegal parking on double yellow lines outside the business.

In a letter to Winchester City Council planners, applicant Luke Bishop said the new hours would be in line with the neighbouring City Fish Bar, and a doorman would be employed between midnight and 3am to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Mr Bishop said the later opening would reduce the number of people waiting for food in and around the premises and thus the potential for anti-social behaviour.

In a report the council planning officers were supportive of the proposal, saying: “It is considered that the proposal would contribute to the vitality of Winchester’s night time economy.”

But Cllr Therese Evans said: “I cannot support this. It is a complicated with leases and licences. The planning reason to refuse this is that it is inappropriate to the area.

“I have nothing against the one next door but having another takeaway going to the late hours is inappropriate. There are flats above. That would be disruptive to those people. People tend to be noisy late at night. I’m concerned about public safety and people parking on double yellow lines.”

Cllr David McLean disagreed: “It’s a business that is looking to grow. The City Fish Bar is trading to 3am so why stifle the business next door?”

Cllr Eileen Berry said: “I’m frightened of that area getting downgraded.”

Planning consultant Ian Tait, a former city councillor, spoke on behalf of Zac Gurtekin, who has run the City Fish Bar since 2004. he said the extension would have serious repercussions for the business

Phrynette Dickens, former county councillor, spoke on behalf of Computer Solutions, run by her son, said there had been problems with anti-social behaviour including smashed windows.

But the committee voted by seven to one to approve the plan, with one abstention, from Cllr Berry.