AN Indian restaurant is expanding and taking over a nearby former barber shop after its plans were backed by the council.

The Raj, Holly Court, High Street, Billericay had its proposals for change of use to existing disused Class E use unit to form part of existing restaurant Class A3 use at 4-7 Holly Court, High Street, Billericay.

The existing disused shop unit will be used for additional seats and business storage.

The council officers' report on the proposals outline how the proposed works do not affect the existing opening hours and will use an existing disused shop to form part of the existing restaurant.

No objections were received from neighbours, Basildon Council's environmental health department, Essex County Council's Historic Environment Team and Billericay Town Council.

The plans also include the extension of the facia of the existing shop front.

The report adds: "Overall, the proposals are considered acceptable to Essex County Council Place Services Historic Buildings and the use of traditional and high-quality materials such as timber is appropriate. Taking the above into consideration, the proposed development is not considered to result in any detrimental visual impact on the character and appearance of the host building or the surrounding Conservation Area, nor will there be any harm to the significance of the Conservation Area. Additionally, it is not considered that the proposal would harm the vitality or viability of the High Street. 

"Given that the proposed change of use will expand the existing Class A3 unit (The Raj restaurant) and will retain the character of the existing building it will form a part of and will bring a vacant unit back into beneficial re-use, the proposed change of use is compliant with Policy. 

"The proposal would have no impact on the existing highway arrangements and therefore the proposal is not considered to cause detriment to highway safety, capacity and efficiency."