A PIZZA takeaway will finally fill an empty unit in a row of shops on Oxford's Rose Hill estate.

Papa John's Pizza will spend £190,000 converting the derelict shop, formerly used as a hairdresser's and a launderette, into a pizza delivery store. A flat above the unit will be retained.

It will be the fourth fast-food outlet in the parade, but despite some residents' concerns about smells and litter, city councillors agreed unanimously to allow the development.

Residents in nearby Courtland Road had objected, fearing the takeaway would also add to traffic congestion and increase noise levels.

John Neville, who lives in Rose Hill, said: "It would get rid of the blight that's existed on that corner for many years. But as a takeaway delivery service, I would question what sort of delivery vehicles will be used and how noisy, congested and messy the area will get."

The Rose Hill Parade Action Group had lobbied London-based property firm City Estates, which owns Rose Hill shopping parade, to clean up the shop unit, which has been empty for many years.

City Estates had said persuading businesses to invest in the empty shop had proved too tough.

Planning officer Andrew Lewis recommended councillors to approve the takeaway.

He said: "If you refuse this, it's highly unlikely you will get another application coming forward."

In his report to the committee, Mr Lewis said: "What is proposed can help revitalise the parade and conforms with the Local Plan and there would be minimum impact on nearby residents in Courtland Road."

A representative of Pappa John's Pizza said two brothers from Swindon would take over the franchise and one intended to live in Rose Hill.