A DERELICT parade of shops on St John's Hill in Sevenoaks could be given a new lease of life after permission has been given to turn two of its units into hot food takeaways.

The ruling over 89 and 91 St John's Hill was made by a planning inspector after the application by Wealden Properties was originally turned down by Sevenoaks District Council in September.

The council argued that approval would mean the loss of retail businesses from a designated local shopping centre, and that the noise and cookery smells would disturb local residents.

In its appeal against the decision, the company argued that it had advertised for retail tenants for a "considerable period", but there had been no interest.

The planning inspectorate has allowed the appeal, saying the change of use would not harm the local shopping centre or the living conditions of adjacent units.

The decision has proved unpopular with Sevenoaks town councillor Ann Dawson, who pointed out at a meeting on Monday the decision would mean there would be two hot food takeaways next to each other as well as a fish and chip shop.

Plans are also afoot to change the Maserati-Ferrari garage at Bat and Ball into a shopping centre, which would include café bars and restaurants. Claverton Holdings has lodged an application for a change of use from a car showroom to mixed retail and café.

Sevenoaks District Council aims to make a decision on the application by July 10.

Bob Porritt, who is a consultant for the company, said: "The idea is to just get the use first and then decide how we are going to move forward."