Planners have given the green light to controversial plans for a takeaway business on the corner of Hollins Road and Sir Tom Finney Way in Deepdale, Preston, which will open on matchdays.

The approval came despite a 34-name petition from residents who were concerned about litter, vermin and traffic.

But planners said if the building was not turned into a takeaway, it would remain derelict and a magnet for litter and anti-social behaviour.

The new building will be in the style of a Japanese pagoda and the owner, Peter Marquis, who runs PDM Property Development, hopes to have it open later this season.

He said: "It's been an on-going thing for 10 years and it's time it was sorted out.

"There are a lot of areas in Preston that need tidying up so this is the right decision."

Two previous applications to turn the toilet into a fast food bar had failed.

Coun Terry Cartwright, a member of the planning committee and ward councillor for Deepdale, said that when the last application was submitted he discovered around 22 takeaways near this one open on matchdays.

He said: "It will cause problems for the residents in my view."

But members of the planning committee voted overwhelmingly in favour of the renovations.

Coun George Wilkins, said: "We've got to move forward in this city."

Coun John Browne, said: "The place is now a complete eyesore.

"Yes, there'll be a bit more rubbish but there'll be rubbish anyway. It'll tidy up a corner that's not looked right since the toilets were closed."

And Coun Bill Tyson, said: "It won't do any harm – I think it will be good to get this site sorted out once and for all."

Natalie Beardsworth, from the council's planning department, said: "There are no other suitable uses for it. Otherwise it will remain derelict and an eyesore."