A FORMER vet's surgery is set to be transformed into a new restaurant and takeaway after receiving planning approval.

An application was submitted to Thurrock Council to turn the Anne Mullen Vet Clinic, 106 High Street, Aveley into a restaurant on the ground floor and it has been approved under officer's delegated power.

The existing, occupied flats above the premises will remain.

The application was submitted to the council in October this year and planners received 15 objections and 17 letters of support.

Those opposed to the scheme said the High Street already had a number of hot foot and takeaway restaurants.

Extra traffic and parking was also a concern along with odours from the premises. Residents were also worried about noise pollution and the impact on other businesses in the area.

The former vet's surgery.

However, those supporting the new restaurant said it would "create jobs and bring growth into the village and a need to support business". Residents said it would have no impact on local residents.

A report to planning officers said: "The proposal would provide good internal seating for patrons to enjoy hot cooked food, especially for shoppers, whilst also providing a new food outlet service for the local community.

"The proposal intends to also provide much needed economic boost to the existing area by providing a new hot food outlet within the locality with seating thereby attracting patrons from the local community and businesses. The introduction of a new business and hot food outlet would in turn also provide the employment of extra staff from the community."

The restaurant will incorporate acoustic insulation, between the extraction flue system and the ceiling. Anti-vibration mounts will also suppress any noise from the system reaching along the route of the flue. The motor of the extraction systems will be incorporated within the rear section of the flue with added extra acoustic insulation and anti-vibration mounts.

The site has a car parking for patrons a short walk away and additional parking at the front for delivery scooters. The site will utilise the existing rear yard for refuse storage and collection which is accessed via either New Matlings or the High Street.

An application has been submitted to build a house on land to the rear.

There is also a separate, as yet undecided, application to build a new two bedroom home on land to the rear of the property. Full details of it can be found via this link.

A report said: "The proposal will provide the area with a new dwelling and release the potential of the vacant land to supply housing for those looking at step on the housing-ladder."