CAMPAIGNERS opposed to a fish restaurant and takeaway being opened in Helmsley have lost their fight.

The former Jumpers fashion shop in Bridge Street and Borogate will be converted after members of the North York Moors National Park’s planning committee gave the scheme by Christopher Maken of Sturton Grange, Micklefield, the go-ahead despite a catalogue of objections.

Some 26 residents and traders wrote letters of objection claiming that the venture would create a noise nuisance and litter and attract vermin.

In addition, they said it would have a detrimental impact on Helmsley’s Conservation Area and spoil the popular tourist town’s image, noted for its boutique shops. However, a handful of supporters said the restaurant would provide local employment and fill a gap in Helmsley’s food catering businesses.

Val Dilcock, the park’s chief planning officer, said in a report that the restaurant would accommodate 36 people on the ground floor and 52 upstairs, as well as having a takeaway food counter.

She said there were already a number of catering businesses in the vicinity, adding: “The authority’s policies do not currently seek to restrict the number of them,which is dictated by market forces.

“Officers are aware that there are concerns about the number of cafés and eating establishments in some areas, including Helmsley.

“This is possibily an issue that can be addressed in the proposed action plan which is being jointly prepared with Ryedale District Council.”

Mrs Dilcock said there were no planning issues which would justify refusing the application.

She added: “Helmsley has a mix of shop types and commercial uses.”

She said that it was not felt that the mix, which will be strengthened by the creation of six new retail units in Borogate, would be adversely affected by the new fish restaurant.

Mr Maken said he would be happy to provide extra litter bins and benches and at peak times would have litter pickers operating. Much of the food would be prepared at Leeds, the committee was told.