A CHINESE massage shop is set to open next door to a Southampton church.

Plans had been approved to change to use of 413 Shirley Road – the first building to the left of St Boniface.

Nicholas Goodwin of Byron Court is the applicant, and sought permission to replace the former laser treatment shop.

New Laser Studio had occupied the unit for more than 10 years.

Southampton City Council planning officers have conditionally approved the scheme, so long as the business does not operate outside of 9am and 10pm.

Refurbishment work must also begin within the next three years.

Paul Barton, service lead in the council's planning department, said: "The development is acceptable considering the policies and proposals of the development plan as set out within the officers report.

"Other material considerations have been considered and are not judged to have sufficient weight to justify a refusal of the application, and where applicable conditions have been to satisfy these matters."