PLANS to open a bookies in a shopping parade are one step closer to being fully approved.

Planning chiefs at Greenwich Council have given consent for a former shop in Old Dover Road, Blackheath, to change its use to become a betting office.

Now applicant David Weaver, of the Hatton Leisure Organisation, needs to obtain licensing permission at a two-day hearing on October 13 and October 16 at Bromley Magistrates' Court.

The application has been opposed by a 350-signature petition drawn up by traders and shop users.

If licensing permission is granted it will see the total number of betting shops homed in the Royal Standard shopping parade rise to three.

Traders fear a betting office will not help trade in the area and further destroy the diversity of independent shops.

Planning chiefs imposed two conditions when approval was granted at a planning meeting on August 23.

It will only be able to open between 9am and 6pm Monday to Sunday and sound insulation must be installed in the ceiling and walls adjoining other premises.

Applicant Mr Weaver was in France at the time of going to press and unavailable for comment.