A Nottinghamshire chippy boss says 'nothing is concrete' about its future as a plan to turn the shop into housing is considered. The Humber Road Chippy in Beeston would be turned into a seven bedroomed house in multiple occupation (HMO) if the plans are approved and implemented.
But the shop's manager has explained the future of the eatery has not yet been decided, despite the proposals being recommended for approval at Broxtowe Borough Council's planning committee on March 8.
Jack Nijjar, manager of Humber Road Chippy, said the proposal had been a backup plan devised as energy and goods prices rose sharply during 2022, but that the future of the chippy was not yet certain. "Nothing is concrete, this submission was made because of all the soaring prices. There's no closing date whatsoever, it could all change,"
Mr Nijjar, added: "If the business gets a little bit better because of gas and electricity prices easing up it is possible that the business might stay and the upstairs might be converted, you never know. If anything is decided, people will be made aware well in advance, but at this moment there are no definite plans, it is more of a contingency."
The application seeks full planning permission to change the use of the building from a hot food takeaway and self-contained flat to a larger seven-bedroomed house in multiple occupation. If implemented, there would also be single storey extensions constructed to the front and rear of the property and changes to the outside of the building.
The original plans submitted with the planning application proposed an eight bedroomed house in multiple occupation. Amended plans reduced the number of rooms from eight to seven after Broxtowe Borough Council's private sector housing officer raised concerns over planned room sizes.
The main issues highlighted ahead of the committee related to whether the change of use from a hot food takeaway to a HMO was acceptable, if there would be an acceptable level of amenity for occupiers and existing neighbours, and if parking would be impacted.
A Broxtowe Borough Council planning officer report, which recommended the planning committee approve the plans on March 8, said: "The benefits of the proposal are that it would provide additional space in an existing house which will contribute to the mix of housing in the area.
"Although there will be some impact on neighbour amenity and no parking provision, it is considered this will not be detrimental. The change of use would not appear out of character with the surrounding area that would be in accordance with policies contained within the development plan which is given significant weight. On balance, the scheme is acceptable and should be approved. To conclude, it is considered the change of use is acceptable and there would not be a significant impact on the amenity of surrounding neighbours, or traffic/parking in the area and therefore the application should be approved."
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