A PLANNING proposal for a restaurant to expand and new flats to be created has been approved, despite the objections from some residents.

Sorella Restaurant, on High Street in Uppermill, is set to take over the ground floor of the adjacent address and extend the rear of the property.

The Italian restaurant is based at 38 High Street and will now increase its size by knocking down the wall between 38 and 40.

The first and second floor of both addresses both act as domestic accommodation and will be redeveloped into two separate flats.

There is also an extension planned at the rear of the building, which will allow for a new kitchen and additional seating space, with a new raised external deck also proposed.

The 40 High Street property is already owned by the applicant as well as 38 High Street and they have proposed for the staircase providing access to the first floor from the ground floor is removed.

Instead, the existing entrance to 40 will be reorganised to provide access to the two flats above the restaurant.

The plans have been approved by the local authority, despite the objections of some nearby residents, particularly those on School Street.

They have complained about refuse being left on School Street by the restaurant and the lack of parking in the area.

One commenter who responded to the application said the "unsightly rubbish bins" have been pushed onto School Street and the entrance of Ebenezer Church.

Another responder echoed this, claiming that the restaurant left waste on School Street for collection on Monday and Tuesday, which was an "example of how the owners of Sorella treat the residents of School Street".

Reverend Audrey Lee, minister of Ebenezer Congregational Church, also expressed his opposition to the plans.

She wrote: "The state of the space outside is very cluttered and one day I counted 8 gas bottles, some leaning on the stone wall separating the church from the restaurant."

She also discussed the issue of parking, writing: "The church has had to put a lock on our gates, something we have not had to do before, to prevent traders from Sorella using our private parking space to deliver goods as well as just using it for private parking without our permission."

The notice of approval document stated the restaurant can only be open to customers and deliveries between 7am and 11pm and the outside area must be closed between 10pm and 8am.