PLANS for a cafe and hot food takeaway have been approved by Wychavon District Council despite concerns about the number of takeaways in the area.

The cafe, called Court Jester Cafe will replace The Olive Cafe which has now closed down at Unit 9, Crown Court Yard, Bridge Street, Evesham.

A delegated report on the planning website for Wychavon said that Cllr Emma Stokes, portfolio holder for environment and street scene at Wychavon District Council had concerns about the amount of takeaways in the area.

It said: "Councillor Stokes emailed to say that if the SWDP supports the proposal then she has no reason to object but is extremely concerned about the number of takeaway establishments in the area and feels that the Parkinson Wright building is too significant for a takeaway.

"She also raised concerns about where customers would park to collect their meals, as there is a significant problem with the Pizza Pomodero (opposite) where customers park in the entrance to the park or in the highway towards Mill Bank. This could possibly increase with an additional takeaway."

It will be allowed to open from 9am until 2am and the council concluded: "It is unlikely that the proposal will result in excessive noise or disturbance and give the small scale of the unit it would not result in an inappropriate balance of uses in this part of the town centre."

Resident David Staite said: "This is a very historic building in the heart of Evesham which could be put to a better use.

"A café would be ok, but hasn't been successful in the past. Will this turn into a hot food take away for late night patrons of the night club next door? Not a good idea.

"The premises are located adjacent to a nightclub which is also able to open late into the evening."

Unit 9 Crown Court Yard is part of a former hotel called the Crown Hotel and is also known as number 58 Bridge Street. It is partly medieval.