A beloved chippy will be torn down despite the 'gutted' business owner's opposition. Bambos Charalambous, 51, and his family have run Blue Circles Fish Bar on Front Street in Arnold since 1990, but it is now set to be turned into rubble.
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, two of which are occupied by Blue Circles Fish Bar and Front St Café. Bambos was gutted when the plans came to light a year ago, citing that most of his 15 children had worked in the eatery.
A petition against the plans with 1,735 signatories was received by the planning committee prior to their decision. But after a nervous year-long wait, Gedling Borough Council's planning committee approved the plans, seemingly sealing the fate of the popular chippy.
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Applicant and building owner Michael Zucker defended his plans at the meeting, explaining the poor state of the existing shops had resulted in empty units and anti-social behaviour. "Two of the four units are empty and the managing agents are unable to let them in their current state. The owners of the café have contacted us saying they cannot run their business due to the current economic circumstances and are looking to sell on the lease or exit their tenancy early," Mr Zucker said.
"In other words three of the four tenants have already decided that these shops and units are not worthy of running businesses from. This also means that early next year, two or possibly three units will have to be boarded up for security purposes. Combined with these empty units I also have to deal with regular fly-tipping and it is very hard indeed to stop this and other anti-social behaviour on site.
"Far better than the existing state of affairs would be to create modern commercial units that would be attractive to customers and tenants. If you approve these submitted plans then the anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping that currently blights this site would be removed by the creation of high-quality commercial and residential units. We genuinely believe these plans will upgrade the site and be a benefit to the local area and residents."
Previously 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."
The plan was recommended for approval by Gedling Borough Council planning officers in a report submitted to the committee. "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."
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