Former Stone tattoo studio could sell fish and chips

Burslem-born artist Ray Jones inked customers in Stone for more than 15 years, firstly in Church Street and later in Oulton Road.

He died in April 2018 aged 71.

Now his former tattoo and art studio, Raymondo's, could become a restaurant and takeaway after change of use plans were submitted to Stafford Borough Council.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application said: “The existing premises has been vacant for approximately 18 months following the closure of the preceding business.

"The building is in a prominent position on the corner of Longton Road and Oulton Road opposite the Bridge Public House.

“It is proposed that the property be used as a superior standard fish and chip restaurant, primarily offering the opportunity to eat within a restaurant environment utilising the front of the property for a mixture of formal dining tables with waiter service for customers.

In addition the business model seeks to offer a limited range of alcoholic drinks, for consumption only for customers utilising the waiter served customer area and not for general sale. It is envisaged these will include bottled beers and wines and limited spirits.

“Alongside the restaurant the previously used secondary entrance will be re-instated to form a separate entrance for take away service and the introduction of a balcony seating area for casual consumption of food and/or waiting for customer orders.

“The setting of the first floor balcony area has been chosen to have minimal impact on the surrounding area and cannot be viewed from neighbouring properties due to the existing bridge construction. The area will be constructed utilising steel and timber and designed so as to blend with the existing building.

“The proposed change of use supports the council’s long term strategy of providing a mix of retail and social uses within the Stone town area. The development is situated within a well-established retail and residential area bordering onto the historic part of Stone’s Granville Square and Stonefield areas.

Stone Town Council was having its say on the application at a planning committee meeting on Tuesday.

But the plans have already sparked concerns in the town.

A resident of nearby Old Road said: “I really don’t see why this should even be considered. There is a fish and chip shop just up the road that has (been) there years.

“I do not think it’s fair that they work there – there’s enough competition as it is. It will just cause so many problems including litter traffic obstruction and noise. Struggle enough as it is in the area.”