A fish and chip shop chain has been given the all-clear to expand its reach.

The Fryery is poised to open its third outlet in Carlisle, on the site of the former Spar store on Scotland Road.

City council planning officials had recommended that the application be refused.

But the proposals were approved following a vote of councillors sitting on the development control committee.

The site had been used as a shop for more than 30 years, but proposals for The Fryery - which already has outlets on Scotch Street and Newtown Road - had attracted 18 letters of objection.

Councillor Anne Glendinning admitted that leaving Scotland Road building empty - as it has been for three years - was unsightly, but said: “Road safety issues are so significant. I think that is the main issue is that something does need to be done with that building. What the answer is, I’m not sure.

“It’s a blot on the landscape in that area.”

Councillor David Morton voiced his support for the application and said: “I don’t agree with the recommendation. I think it should go through. We’re all about encouraging private enterprise and development.

“If you look further up the street, still in the conservation area, there are a series of shops - and even some of those that are occupied are in a state of disrepair. Those that are empty are a disgrace.”

On the impact of approving the proposal, he added: “I think it would improve the area considerably.”

Councillor Val Tarbitt raised concerns about a healthy lifestyle and for this reason, would not support the change of use from retail to takeaway.

It was made clear that concerns surrounding road safety of allowing the chip shop should not influence the ruling because those issues would exist if the unit was to again be occupied by a shop.