A trader has hit out at plans to open a new restaurant in a former fashion store.

Rugby Property Assets Ltd has applied to Shropshire Council to change the use of the former M&Co store in Green End, Whitchurch, from retail to food and drink.

The plans were lodged with the council and are due to be decided on shortly.

It is not yet known what type of cafe or restaurant is planned for the unit, which is in the town centre.

But Mohammed Rafique Gohar, who runs the Hannah Indian Restaurant, also on Green End, said he fears it will harm his business.

Filing an objection to the plans, Mr Gohar said: “The proposed planning for change of use will have a direct impact on my family run business.

“The proposed building is directly opposite to my building. Whitchurch is a small town, an additional restaurant in such close proximity is going to have a negative impact on my business.

“The road is a narrow single one way road which makes the proximity of the building very very close to my building and this closeness will impact my business.

“The narrow road causes issues with suppliers wanting to deliver, this will add further to the parking and loading issues.

“There is only limited parking and an additional restaurant will further add to parking issues.

“There are a number of flats in close proximity which are part of my building.

“Flat 1 overlooks the proposed building and is in very close proximity and therefore my tenants will be exposed to additional noise from traffic and customers particularly in the evening and their right to enjoy peace and quiet will be taken from them.

“This will cause further detriment to my business, as I will be unable to rent out the flats, being in a noisy area.

“The value of my property dropped hugely in 2008 and additional competition will further drop the value of my building.”

Meanwhile, member of the public Simon Lyon, said he was worried about the prospect of another cafe opening in the town.

He said: “I would like to make a comment with relation to what sort of cafe/restaurant this proposal will be.

“There is no information relating to the use. While I would fully welcome a restaurant/wine bar to the town, adding to the mix of restaurants we already have, it is worth noting that we now have 12 cafes/coffee shops in the town centre along with several pubs who also serve morning coffee.

“One of these coffee shops is a national (Costa) and the rest are small independents. Should the proposal be for yet another cafe/coffee shop then I would urge the council to consider the sustainability of the request.”