Takeaway plans for former Stone charity shop
A former charity shop in Stone could be transformed into a takeaway.
The High Street premises near Christchurch Way was previously a Katharine House Hospice store.
Planning permission was granted earlier this year to split the ground floor retail unit into two smaller premises and create two residential apartments in the upper floors.
Now a new application has been submitted to Stafford Borough Council seeking permission to change the use of the two retail units so that hot and cold food can be sold – including desserts.
The proposed opening hours are 12am to 12pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 11.30pm on Sundays and bank holidays.
A design statement submitted as part of the application said some “limited seating” was proposed as well as the takeaway.
It added: “The client already operates a successful food business in the Midlands and would offer a healthier grilled food choice.
“The client will be promoting a ‘walk local’ and ‘eat local’ ethic to ensure the impact on the highway network is reduced. The proposed use will not require specific customer parking due to the way the business aims to operate for local residents and its sustainable location within Stone town centre.
“The previously vacant two retail units will now get the opportunity to be occupied under this new proposed mixed use which will ensure that the property is put back into use after being left vacant for a period of time. Consideration has been taken to ensure the proposals create minimal harm or disruption to the conservation area (and) neighbouring uses.”
Stone Town Council members, who considered the application at their planning consultative committee meeting on November 3, welcomed the prospect of a daytime takeaway service at the premises but said they would not support evening sales because they could increase traffic in the High Street, on street parking and other risks.
Councillor Ian Fordham said: “I’m not of the opinion that the High Street is a good location or the right environment (for takeaways). I think it has real implications for the High Street in terms of traffic we don’t really need.”
Councillor Tom Kelt said: “It’s very close to the traffic lights and I think any effect on the traffic is going to be doubled.”
Councillor Rob Kenney said: “Parking is grounds for consideration on a takeaway – as such there is no parking for it. There is no parking permitted in the High Street at any time either for such an outlet.”
Councillor Jonathan Powell said: “I don’t think it’s the environment for a takeaway. I would also be concerned not only at traffic and parking on the High Street but certain clientele thinking they could just park up on Christchurch Way, before the traffic lights, for a quick five minutes to nip in and grab something.”
But Councillor Robert Townsend said: “Whether it’s a daytime takeaway or an evening takeaway does make a difference. The traditional view of a night time takeaway does cause concerns in terms of access to the High Street and parking, but a daytime food service is a different proposition.
“Food in the day is how High Streets are going to survive and thrive and so we should welcome and embrace that if it’s about feeding people who are shopping or tourists. There are lots of other establishments in and around the town that serve food on a takeaway basis during the day that don’t cause traffic chaos.”
Councillor Jim Davies said: “If what they’re doing is a sandwich bar during the day I don’t see that as being particularly difficult. But if they’re talking about night time economy that would make it particularly unwelcome.”
