A NEW fish and chip shop could open in Southampton, despite dozens of complaints.

Controversial plans for a new takeaway and a new store at the site once occupied by Tesco Express in Butts Road, Sholing are set to be approved by civic chiefs at Southampton City Council on April 23.

If the plans are given the go-ahead,  the takeaway will open from noon to 2pm and from 4.30pm to 10pm from Monday to Saturday and from 4.30pm to 9pm on Sundays.

According to the proposal, part of the site will be turned into a takeaway while the other half will be transformed into a retail unit with efforts currently being made to secure a retail tenant.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant Ali Ozdemir, Richard Goodall from Advoco Planning told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the takeaway will be a fish and chip shop.

Developers said it will bring into beneficial use a unit which currently makes no contribution to either the economy or the community.

But while some residents supported the plans, more than 40 of them sent letters of objections to the city council.

They fear the new takeaway will result in smells, anti-social behaviour and late night disturbance.

A letter of objections reads: “The parking space outside the current parade of shops is simply inadequate for another shop and a takeaway.

“When these spaces are not available, customers will then start to use other parts of the road without any care to the residents as they feel they will only be 10 minutes getting their takeaway or popping into the shop.”

But resident Nichola Wells hit back saying she supports the plans as the takeaway  “will bring much needed choice of food” in the area and new jobs to the community.

The unit is currently empty.

It was occupied by Tesco Express until 2015 and remained empty for two and a half years before being taken over by Malpass Butchers which closed after less than 12 months and the unit has been vacant since.

According to the plans, an extraction flue is also set to be installed at the back of the property.

A document submitted by Advoco Planning reads: “The proposed change of use is considered acceptable. The relocation of Tesco Express has served to reduce demand for on street parking.”

Mr Goodall added that thanks to the modern equipment that will be used there will not be any smell.

Planning bosses at the city council recommended the application for approval.