Moves to open a takeaway have been put on hold by town planners.

Worthing's planning committee thought an application to change a vacant retail shop in South Farm Road, Worthing, into a takeaway would have a negative impact on neighbouring shops.

Committee chairman Councillor Bob Clare said a similar drop in the number of retailers in Broadwater Parade had caused shoppers to go elsewhere because they did not have the "spectrum" to choose from.

He said: "Broadwater parade declined into a long row of takeaways."

Councillor George Stephens said: "This is quite a small parade and, if we are not careful, we will very quickly reduce this as an amenity for local residents."

The committee delegated planning consent to a council officer, who will consult Sussex Police and investigate what effect the change in use might have before making a decision.

More than 250 residents in the surrounding area had signed three petitions opposing the application because they believed there were already too many takeaways nearby.

One person wrote: "I feel not only has the community enough of these shops to serve them in this area but surely another such establishment would spread customers further, putting the existing businesses in jeopardy.

"I am not against fair competition in the business world but, honestly, I do not see the need for another takeaway on this particular site, especially as a new pizza takeaway is soon to open in Broadwater, near Somerfield supermarket."