Plans to transform a former restaurant in Erskine into a hot food takeaway have been approved by Renfrewshire Council.

Planning permission has been granted for the change of use at the ground floor unit at Bridgewater Shopping Centre.

The site, which was previously home to the New River Village, is located between another takeaway and a hardware shop.

It is believed that I-Chai Express, a Chinese takeaway with a popular store in Glasgow's Anniesland, will be opening soon.

The local authority told the applicant their request was successful last week, confirming the proposal is in line with the provisions of the development plan.

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A report, which was produced by planners, shed light on the immediate surroundings of the property and the planned adjustments.

It explained: “The unit is located within a single-storey parade of commercial units which front a pedestrian walkway and road.

“The application premises are flanked on one side by a hardware store and on the other by a further takeaway/diner.

“On the opposite side of the road to the front is a standalone bar/restaurant and a large car park which provides parking for the wider shopping centre.

“To the rear of the application premises is a large hard-surfaced area which serves as a communal yard for deliveries, refuse storage and collection and other such services.

“The existing restaurant is served by a flue on the rear elevation of the building which would be retained for use by the proposed take-away.

“Internally, a public area and counter would be formed towards the front of the unit, while the kitchen and food preparation areas at the rear would be reconfigured and expanded into the area previously occupied by the restaurant seating.

“No external alterations are proposed to the unit frontage.”

In an official decision notice, the council said: “The proposal accords with the provisions of the development plan and there were no material considerations which outweighed the presumption in favour of development according with the development plan.”