The owner of a beloved Nottinghamshire chippy says he is 'devastated' that the council is expected to approve its demolition. Bambos Charalambous, 51, and his family have run Blue Circles Fish Bar on Front Street in Arnold since 1990, but could soon see their shop knocked down.
The plan for 135-141 Front Street involves the creation of nine apartments as well as two new ground level shops after the demolition of the four existing shopfronts, including Blue Circles Fish Bar. Bambos was gutted when the plans came to light a year ago, citing that most of his 15 children had worked in the eatery at some point, and has now spoken out about the fish and chip shop's fate ahead of a decision by Gedling Borough Council's planning committee.
"It feels very unfair, a lot of regulars would be as devastated as me, we've been here for a long time. Of course I would be gutted if we had to go.
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"My father and uncle set it up and my older kids have worked here, the young ones won't even get the chance to if we lose this. I've taught my kids to work for what they want and we've always done that here - a number of them have now moved on but they've all been through here, this is home for us.
"I hope they [the planning committee] turn it down because I won't know what to do otherwise. The best hope would be for that, to go anywhere else would be difficult without borrowing a load of money."
Bambos said the perilous trading environment for chippies would make finding another location very difficult. "Everything has been so expensive, especially the energy which has more than doubled," he added.
"Vegetable oil used to be £5 a block but now it is £28, so you've got to spend £100 on oil before you even start the fryers up. With business the way it is it would be very difficult to move somewhere else."
Staff at neighbouring business the Front St Café previously questioned their future when the plans were revealed last year. A petition against the plans with 1,735 signatories was received by the planning committee.
Despite this public opposition Gedling Borough Council planning officers have recommended the plans get the go-ahead from planning committee members on November 30. "The principle of the development is supported given that it would result in the enhancement of the character and appearance of this section of Front Street and High Street to the rear as well as enhance the vitality and viability of the Arnold Secondary Shopping Area," a planning officer said.
"The layout, design and appearance of the building is considered acceptable. This together with the proposed upper floor residential units would not be considered to be detrimental to the amenity of neighbouring buildings nor to highway safety." In a planning document, JLK Architectural Design on behalf of applicant Michael Zucker, said the project would improve the area.
"The proposed development involves the demolition and redevelopment of the existing buildings whilst maintaining the same functions of commercial units on ground level and apartments above. The proposed scheme offers an opportunity to deliver a high-quality and sensitively designed development, which has carefully considered its context and setting," they said.
It provides the opportunity to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve the existing high street offer. The development will allow for an increase in quality residential accommodation and create opportunities for new business to trade from flexible commercial unit(s)."
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