PLANS to convert a former Nitshill post office into a takeaway have been refused as nearby homes would not be protected from cooking odours.

Glasgow councillors voted against Amjad Ismail’s proposal to change the use of the building at 345 Nitshill Road.

It had been recommended for refusal by council officers.

A decision had been delayed from a meeting in March after councillors requested more information.

An update from the council’s environmental health team revealed that the proposed low-level extraction “should not be sited within 20m of residential properties”.

“The proposal contravenes the 20m standard and the low-level extraction is considered to be insufficient to protect residential properties from cooking odours.”

Cllr Hanzala Malik, who was chairing the planning committee meeting, said: “I don’t agree with the recommendation and I’m suggesting that we approve the application.”

However, his proposal lost out by five votes to seven.

The property had been marketed for use as a shop but there had been “no interest whatsoever”, the application stated.

“This new appears to be the only option in getting the units refurbished and occupied,” the developer had argued.

Council planners had reported the takeaway “would not discharge above the nearby residential properties” on Househillmuir Road.

Rashid Hussain and Saqib Ahmed, both councillors for the Greater Pollok ward, had supported the proposal.

Mr Hussain said: “There have been no objections from the public or area community council.

“I also believe the venture will be positive for the local community as it will create employment opportunities.

“The property has been vacant for over 12 months and is bringing a negative aesthetic to the area. It would be a huge improvement to have a functioning business operating within the building.”

Most of the objections came from nearby takeaway owners or managers, who feared the impact on their business.

One said the competition was “already so fierce” and his takeaway was “only just surviving”.