By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans to convert a takeaway restaurant in a Townhill Park parade of shops into a massage parlour have been approved by councillors.

 

Applicant Meijia Lin sought permission from Southampton City Council to change the use of the premises at 3 Premier Parade off Forest Hills Drive in Townhill Park.

As previously reported, the proposal had to go before members of the planning and rights of way panel on Tuesday, September 2, after attracting 10 objections from residents.

These representations raised issues with the use being inappropriate in a family residential area, insufficient parking and the business could lead to a reduction in property prices.

On suggestions a massage parlour was inappropriate, a planning officer’s report said: “The local planning authority is required to determine this application based on what has been applied for in good faith.

“Any illegal activity that were to take place would require intervention from police and community safety professionals.

“This decision is made based on the applied for land use and material planning considerations.”

 The unit in Premier Parade where plans have been approved to change the use so it can operate as a massage parlour. Photo: SCC

In response to the suggestions of insufficient parking, the report said visitor numbers to a massage parlour were likely to be lower in number than the existing hot food takeaway use.

Meanwhile, references to property prices was not a material planning consideration

Panel member Cllr Sue Blatchford said: “This change of use will actually make no contribution to obesity so I have got no problems with it.”

Chair Cllr Vivienne Windle added: “I don’t see why this shouldn’t be located in a parade of shops.

“It seems like a reasonable use for this site and takeaways are problematic, so it is nice to see something else there.”

The change of use application was unanimously approved by the panel.