CONTROVERSIAL plans for a coin-operated launderette in an empty shop in the heart of Hadleigh have been condemned as a waste of time.

Many traders are not happy with plans for London Road with many still reeling about the prospect of KFC coming to town, near the already established McDonald’s.

Castle Point Council’s planning officers believed the launderette would boost town centre trade and councillors narrowly agreed.

But Tony Bright, of Barkins Butchers, in London Road, said: “People go to a launderette when they get home from work, they don’t go there when they’re doing the rest of their shopping.

“The council just wants to fill a shop to get the rates paid, but that doesn’t mean it will help the town.”

David Bushell, who owns nearby store Weller Dry Cleaning and Ironing, which also offers laundry services, was also disappointed.

He said: “It could affect my trade. The council could be just replacing one empty shop with another if I am forced out of business.”

Meanwhile, resident Stephen Denyer, 30, who lives above the dry cleaners, is very unhappy due to the anticipated smell and noise.

He said: “Launderettes stay open until late into the evening, which means I’m going to have to put up with the noise and the smell from the chemicals they use when I get home from a hard day’s work.”

The plans were given the go-ahead by the council’s development control committee by five votes to four, which means it can open any time soon.

Hadleigh councillor Colin Riley, speaking at the meeting, told fellow members the proposals were a great opportunity.

He said: “We have got an empty shop that will remain empty. This is a great opportunity and we need to give the owner the chance to see if they can make it work.”

Approval for the launderette is part of a concerted effort to lift trade in Hadleigh.

It has also recently emerged Morrisons supermarket, in London Road, is in talks with the council about expanding into a neighbouring site owned by car retailer Lookers.