PLANNING permission is being sought to convert a taxi booking office in Bury into a takeaway.

The application concerns the former home of Royal Taxis at 42 Walmersley Road, Bury.

The application statement said: "This proposal will provide hot and cold food and drinks for consumptions on and off the premises to commercial, local community and shoppers.

"This will primarily serve healthy Indian and Pakistani cuisine together with other healthy eating options to individuals and deliveries to birthday parties, weddings and religious events within the community."

The application said the takeaway's aim was "to use local produce, poultry, meat and fish from local suppliers. Furthermore, this will

generate employment for three permanent staff to work at the premises and three delivery persons.

"Therefore, this will improve economic performance of Bury and sustain a strong local economy."

A new shop front is proposed with an extraction system and steel stairs proposed at the rear. No additional floor area is proposed.

The statement added: "This proposal will improve the general appearance of the shop front, it will enhance the vitality of the shopping parade and assure the continued maintenance of the building.

"The external sign board size and print will be consistent and in-keeping with the existing and will not change the character of appearance."