Written Statement Support

Written Statement In Support Of Planning Application To Provide Hot Food Take-Away At 92 Strand Street, Douglas

Existing Site

The property is located at the corner of Strand Street and Granville Street with shop access currently gained at the corner splay

The property has been empty for several months and our Client has an option to purchase a five year lease from the current lease holder should the Planning application to change it's use into a hot food take away be approved.

General Proposals

The proposals comprise the fit out of the ground floor accommodation as an up-market take-away shop serving hot food and sandwiches.

The entrance to the shop will be relocated onto Granville Street and ornamental canopies and down lighters will be installed along the existing raised feature band that wraps around the corner. Windows openings onto the cooking area will be built up and attractive signage will be incorporated within the infilled panels. The remainder of the existing shop windows will be replaced with powder coated aluminium. This will create a more sophisticated ambience to attract the right kind of customer i.e. office workers and shoppers looking for good quality take-away hot food during the day time and early evening.

Signage, lighting, colours and window frames have been chosen to respond to the character of the building and its context, (a mix of Victorian and modern) and to portray an image of quality, charm and sophistication.

An artist's impression is attached to show the proposed new image.

A small Office to deal with day to day paperwork has been incorporated at First Floor level, with the remainder of the open area being used for Storage

A separate entrance for Staff and deliveries has been incorporated further to the rear along Granville Street.

Operational matters

Generic equipment layouts have been shown to demonstrate the manner in which the facility will operate. Whilst the layouts are tentative and subject to particular pieces of equipment being chosen they nevertheless demonstrate that mechanical ventilation and drainage is readily achievable.

Shop opening times will be 10.00am – 8.00pm

Waste disposal will be by means of wheel bins which will be located in the existing rear yard.

Statutory Consultations

The proposals have been discussed with the Fire Department, the Environmental Health Officer, the Police Architectural Liaison Officer and Douglas Corporation, and any comments made to date have been incorporated as appropriate.

Conclusions

The general appearance of this corner property that links the more Victorian style shops of Castle Street with the more modern shops of Strand Street will be greatly enhanced by these proposals that aim to provide an architectural link between the old and the new.

There are no similar high class take-away food shops in the area, and the perspective tenant is satisfied that this up-market facility will benefit the office workers and shoppers in the area.

The development is sustainable in terms of utilities, and our client is extremely keen to progress this proposal at the earliest opportunity. We therefore urge the Planning Committee to look favourably upon this application.