Plans to transform an empty Carlisle shop into a new takeaway look set to be turned down after nearly 70 people signed a petition against the proposals.

Mr H Kocaturkmen, who has experience running the popular The Dalston Fryer fish and chip shop in Dalston, applied to Carlisle City Council in December for permission to change the use of the former Bargain Booze store by Scotland Road in Stanwix to allow hot food to be sold.

But the council's planning officers have recommended the proposal be refused when it is considered by the authority's development control committee on Friday morning.

They cited the shop's proximity to adjacent houses and potential noise, odour and parking issues arising from the business as reasons for the recommendation.

The planning application also sparked objections from local residents, with 69 people signing a petition against the plans and raised many of the same concerns as planners.

A statement submitted to the council by PFK Land and Development on behalf of Mr Kocaturkmen said: "The applicant has successfully run takeaways in other areas of Carlisle, including Dalston.

"They are therefore highly aware of the requirements for appropriate technology to ensure that there are no unacceptable impacts in terms of odour etc.

"It is currently proposed that a similar system to that used in Dalston be used."

Objectors also suggested there were a number of takeaways already within walking distance of the shop, which has been empty since Bargain Booze ceased trading there early last year.

The planning statement continued: "The unit would benefit from the residential uses in the surrounding which will enable people to walk to the unit instead of taking the car.

"There is also a bus stop within a short distance from the unit.

"It is not considered that the use of the unit for hot food takeaway would result in an over-concentration of such uses in the location."

While the plans initially suggested customers could utilise space at the front of the building to park, the plans have since been amended and the shop would now have on-street parking only.

The proposed eatery would be open between 11am and 11pm from Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 10pm on Sunday and Bank Holidays and, according to the application, would provide the equivalent of three full-time jobs.

Cumbria County Council and Cumbria Constabulary were consulted and raised no objections to the plans.

Mr Kocaturkmen was unavailable for comment on the plans.

The development control committee is set to meet virtually at 10am on Friday.

The meeting will be available to watch online at www.carlisle.gov.uk