OBJECTIONS have been raised to revised plans for a takeaway in a grade two listed building close to Chester's historic city walls.

Mrs B Anthony has told planning officers she is seeking approval to use premises at 13 Bridge Place on Lower Bridge Street as a cafe with hot food takeaway.

There would also be alfresco seating at the front.

A previous application was refused in October last year, according to a report.

Mrs Anthony has reduced the alfresco area which would now be in front of the cafe only and would not extend in front of adjacent residential properties.

The premises, adjacent to the city walls close to the Bridge Gate, had approval for a change of use from an antique shop to a tea room in 1981, councillors are due to hear.

No takeaways were allowed.

Mrs Anthony says the premises will continue to be a cafe but will include a hot food takeaway with two tables in the alfresco area, each with four chairs. The cafe would be open from 8am until 11pm.

No objections have been raised by the County Engineer or by environmental protection or conservation officers.

Chester Civic Trust is concerned the plans appear to be inaccurate as it believes the tables would impede access to the city walls.

The trust points out there are also cobbles and a slope which would make the area unsuitable for alfresco.

Neighbours have sent in 12 objections arguing the extension of hours and the introduction of a takeaway would not be in the best interests of the area.

They feel the changes would be out of keeping and the change of use would affect the character and appearance of the conservation area.

Concerns about possible litter, air pollution and noise have also been raised together with the suitability of the area for alfresco seating.

The city council has had a letter of support from the Queens Park House Residents Association in Handbridge supporting the alfresco.

Mrs Anthony says the takeaway will serve hot sandwiches and similar food and will not be a Chinese takeaway.

She explains that at present there are no restrictions on the hours of opening of the cafe and that litter will be collected.

Her plans are accurate, she insists and she values the area.

City planners suggest the change of use will not have an unacceptable effect on the city centre as the premises are an established cafe and the alfresco seating will add to the vibrancy of Lower Bridge Street and attract pedestrians.

They say the outdoor seating will be high quality and will preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area.

The tables and chairs will be placed on the cobbles and will not cross the entire pavement or impede access to the walls.

It is not thought the alfresco will affect neighbours or create unacceptable noise although planning officers are recommending the alfresco area should close at 7pm and there should be a one year temporary permission to enable the situation to be reassessed if Mrs Anthony wishes to continue with the alfresco.

The application is listed to be considered at a meeting of Chester's planning board taking place at the Crowne Plaza hotel in the city centre on Wednesday, January 7 at 10.30am.