A former fish and chip shop is set to become part of a three-bedroom house under plans that have been given the green light.
The Best Fry in Anns Hill Road, Gosport, closed in February 2024 after falling sales resulted in the long-established business becoming unviable.
The site comprises a three-bedroom maisonette with a hot food takeaway area occupying part of the ground floor.
Now Tuan Minh Diep has been given planing permission to turn the property into a three bedroom house by converting the former chippie into a living room and entrance hall.
Britain's fish and chip industry has had a tough few years, partly as a result of the UK's reliance on Ukraine for sunflower oil.
In 2022 the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFF) warned that Ukraine's conflict with Russia was forcing chippies to change their menus, raise their prices, or shut down.
READ MORE: Southampton's best fish and chip shops, according to residents
Last year vinegar firm Sarson's warned that spiralling costs meant than half the 10,500 outlets across the country could face closure by 2025.
Sarson's said many traders were struggling to stay afloat following huge hikes in the cost of fish, oil, potatoes, and energy.
The application to convert Best Fry into extra living space has been approved by Gosport Borough Council.
A council report said: "The property was previously in use as a takeaway with ancillary living accommodation above and to the rear.
"The submitted drawings indicate that the takeaway occupied the front room of the property with a kitchen/food preparation beyond, shared with the residential accommodation."
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The report said the new-look property would comprise a lounge, kitchen, and bathroom on the ground floor, with three bedrooms above.
Minor alterations to the front of the building would remove the shopfront and enclose the front forecourt area.
"These changes are considered to be acceptable and would result in a more domestic appearance in keeping with the prevailing character of the area and other dwellings within the terrace."
The report said the proposed new house would less result in less noise, smells, and waste than the former takeaway.
It referred to a "slight" increase in living accommodation at the site, but said the loss of the chippie would reduce demand for parking in the area.
"It is not considered that the proposal would result in any significant additional pressure for parking within the highway network.
"Given the limited availability of on-street parking on Anns Hill Road and the parking restrictions to its eastern side immediately opposite, the proposal is likely to reduce instances of indiscriminate parking."
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