FOOD fans can look forward to a new dessert shop and cafe coming coming to Little Lever.

Councillors have approved plans for the eatery to open in a vacant unit in Market Street, despite fears over an increase in anti-social behaviour.

Derek Wunderley, who runs the nearby Wunderley’s Café, told a town hall planning committee meeting that he objected to the proposals because he feared they could exacerbate existing problems with youths in the area.

He also claimed that renovation work on the site was almost complete — despite the developer saying it has not yet begun — and questioned why a similar application for Church Street was earlier rejected.

Little Lever councillor Sean Hornby said: “In principle, I have nothing against this application. We can’t refuse this on the basis of there being other similar businesses in the area.

“Sometimes competition can be a healthy thing.”

However, he said that he was concerned about plans to put seating outside the cafe, which he worried would block the canopy-covered pathway through the market precinct.

Cllr Hornby was also concerned that its late opening hours could create a gathering area for youths.

The application was referred to the planning committee after fellow UKIP councillor Paul Richardson said he was worried about the impact the plans would have on anti-social behaviour in the centre of Little Lever.

Labour’s Cllr Elaine Sherrington says the cafe was a ‘brilliant’ idea and would actually help to reduce anti social behaviour.

Cllr Mudasir Dean said it would enhance the appeal of Little Lever and its shopping arcade.