A bid to open another takeaway in Chatham has been rejected by Medway Council.

As part of the plans, the former Martin’s convenience shop in Luton High Street was set to become a pizza and fried chicken takeaway.

But concerns over the number of other outlets in the area, the proximity to schools, and traffic issues has seen the council turn down the proposal.

A council report said: “The proposed scheme is considered unacceptable in principle, on the basis that it is located less than 400m from two schools and would result in an over-concentration of takeaways … in this local shopping centre, which would adversely affect the vitality and viability of the centre and the health of local residents.

“Due to the opening hours proposed being at a time when the local schools are open, it is considered that the use would have an impact in terms of offering unhealthy food choices to students.”

The council also said the plans lacked enough information to show it would avoid a “significant or severe” increase in traffic and associated noise.

The takeaway’s opening hours were proposed as 11am to 11pm Monday to Saturday, and 12pm to 10pm on Sundays.

Twelve residents objected to the plans, raising concerns over increased noise and parking pressure, harm to locals’ health, and the impact on existing businesses.

Subscribe free to our monthly newsletter for the latest coverage from Future Medway, direct to your inbox.