PLANS for a new Indian takeaway in Northwick shopping centre have been approved, despite fears takeaways are taking over the area.

Worcester City Council planning committee went against planners' recommendation that the proposals to change Orchards Fayre, Ombersley Road, into a takeaway be refused.

Chief planning officer Peter Yates said the loss of another shop from the centre would mean that only 42 per cent of the units were used for retail.

It would also mean that four out of the 12 units in that area would be hot food takeaways.

He said it would affect the vitality and viability of the shopping centre.

Highways officers also objected to the proposals because they said parking in the area was inadequate.

But Jeff Box, who runs the greengrocers, told the committee that people now preferred supermarkets to local shops.

He had experienced a dramatic fall in trade, with the average number of customers coming to his shop a day dropping over the past few years from more than 150 to around 30.

"Trade has declined in that area and very little use is being made of the shop," Mr Box said.

Some councillors supported the recommendation of refusal.

"Another takeaway in this area is not needed," said ward councillor Rod Staines.

But the majority voted to approve the proposals.

"This area is dying on its feet - I would be minded to approve this application," said Coun Aubrey Tarbuck.