AN ANGRY businesswoman said she was "very disappointed" after planning chiefs threw out her plans to build a Chinese take-away in a York suburb.

Toni Johnson had applied to extend her Huntington shop, now known as TJ's Late Shop, but formerly Cleveland Way Stores, and open the take-away.

She had won the support of 336 people, who had signed a petition in favour of the fast food outlet.

But councillors refused her plans, agreeing with a 104-signature petition and 21 letters objecting to the take-away.

Their decision followed last month's refusal of plans to open a curry house in the old Mill Hill newsagent, in nearby Huntington Road.

They then agreed that a take-away in the area would "have a seriously detrimental effect" on the amenities of surrounding residents.

Ms Johnson's application was refused for similar reasons.

Late night trading hours would cause noise and disturbance to the resident's "currently quiet living conditions", said planning officer Mick Britton.

But Ms Johnson said: "I can't believe they have taken this decision. All those people signed a petition saying they wanted it here - lots more than didn't, but they have still said no.

"They haven't been to see the area or speak to the people around here. To take a decision like that is just unbelievable."

Ms Johnson said she would consider submitting a revised application.

Committee chairwoman June Vaughan said the 336 signatures were taken into account, but the decision to refuse was taken following strong advice from environment and highways officers.

Twenty-one letters of objection were received - but no letters of support, Coun Vaughan said.

She told the Evening Press: "There had been a lot of local dissent and concern at the prospect of a take-away opening in that particular area.

"There had been a lot of support in the petition, but in a shop people come in from anywhere and a petition can quickly be put together.

"If they come back with a different application obviously we would look at it, but on this particular one we had to go with the officer's recommendation."

Updated: 12:32 Thursday, December 06, 2001