New cafe plans approved for rundown area of South Shore
Plans to redevelop empty units in South Shore have got the go-ahead from town hall planners after hopes of using the properties to serve takeaway food were dashed due to obesity fears.
The scheme, submitted by SM10 Investments, is set to see two properties, which make up an end terrace on Bond Street, used as cafes and residential accommodation.
A planning application for external alterations including the installation of new ground floor shop fronts, new windows, demolition of a first floor extension and rendering was approved by planning officers using their delegated powers.
Planners said the changes would bring two empty commercial units back into use and "improve the appearance of the existing building in an area of special local character."
Originally it had been proposed to use the ground floor units as hot-food takeaways, but this would have contravened council policies restricting the opening of new takeaways in areas of high childhood obesity.
As a result, amendments have been made to the layout to include more space for tables and chairs and provide public toilets in each of the cafe units.
In setting out their decision, planners warn: "It should be stressed that if the units were to start being operated as hot food takeaways this would not be acceptable and they would be subject to enforcement investigation."
Repeated calls for investment in Bond Street, where many shops are empty, have been made including by Waterloo councillor Diane Mitchell.