The centre of Farnworth is set for a new dining experience after plans for a new restaurant were approved.

Plans for a change of use of a former launderette, on Market Street, into an oriental noodle bar restaurant have been passed by Bolton Council in the past week.

The proposal was to convert the ground floor of the former laundry shop into the restaurant and takeaway with a dining area at the front, kitchen at the rear and a unisex toilet at the back of the premises.

A ground floor side window will be replaced with a fire exit door, borough planning officials were told.

An officer’s report on the plans, submitted by Mr Chun Hei Wong, said the venture would create new jobs,

It said: “The restaurant will employ three full-time employees and two part-time.

“Opening times were not provided by the applicant however the environmental health team have suggested 11.30am- 11pm.

” The ground floor unit was previously a laundrette but is now currently vacant.

“The site currently lies in the middle of the retail parade along Market Street within Farnworth town centre.

“The opening hours proposed include day time operation which would avoid a dead frontage and would have a positive impact upon wider area compared to the present situation.”

The application received one objection from the general public, which stated ‘the proposal will add to the existing anti-social behaviour in the area’.

But a planning department officer commented that it was not considered that the addition of a restaurant which has a closing time of 11pm would add to anti-social behaviour in the area enough to warrant a refusal.

No evidence of what anti-social behaviour was being referred to was submitted to support the objector’s claim, according to the report.

Mr Hei Wong said he hoped that his venture would assist in the regeneration of Farnworth town centre into a mix of retail, leisure, employment, public services and housing.

Plans are being advanced by the borough council to overhaul the nearby Market Precinct.