Decision made on plans to turn florist’s shop into restaurant

Proposals to open a new restaurant and bar in Blackpool have been given the go ahead by planners.

A planning application was lodged with Blackpool Council for a change of use of the ground floor from a florist to a restaurant and ancillary bar at 294 Devonshire Road.

The premises were previously used by Flower Scentsations, a florist business which has since relocated to Fleetwood Market.

Planning documents show that the restaurant will be modestly-sized. The main floor space of the premises are to be used for seating, showing 5 tables and 18 covers.

This area will also include a bar counter. There will be one WC accessible from the restaurant area, and a kitchen to the rear.

There is reference to a “Desi Kitchen”, suggesting that the eatery will be offering South Asian cuisine, but no further details have been given.

The applicants argued that, purely in planning terms, the restaurant would still be in the same class of use (class E) as the previous business in the building, meaning that no ‘development’ would be taking place and no planning permission was needed.

Instead the proposals were for a Certificate of Lawfulness to be granted.

What they say

A supporting statement on behalf of the applicants says: “The food and drink operations are not intended to be a late-night experience, the latest closing times would be approximately 11:30pm Sundays to Thursday and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, subject to seasonal alterations and special occasions.

“There is no immediate intention to include a take-away element, but such a facility would always be ancillary to the primary food and drink use within Class E(b).

“Acknowledging the proximity of the neighbours both above the premises, and those on Waverley Avenue, the proposed Desi kitchen restaurant would operate as quietly as possible.”

Blackpool Council’s Head of Development Management said in a report: “Although the premises is relatively small and would not accommodate a large number of covers, the operation of a restaurant of this size and layout is not uncommon in centres across the borough.

“The proposals as described in the description on the application form and agreed by the applicant would not constitute development and therefore would not require planning permission.

“ As such, a Certificate of Lawfulness should be granted.”