New burger bar planned for Preston's Miller Arcade

Plans for the new eaterie in Miller Arcade have been passed by the council, although strict conditions have been put in place to keep noise and odours to a minimum.

The Preston-based Opulence Group successfully applied for a change of use for Unit 23 in the Grade II Listed building from retail to restaurant/café.

The premises, which are currently empty, were last used by schoolwear business, Top One Uniforms, which has moved into the St John’s Shopping Centre.

While planners have given their approval to the burger bar, they have told the new occupants they must adhere to tough conditions to lessen its impact on neighbouring businesses and the future occupants of residential accommodation on the upper floors of the building.

The council’s environmental health department has demanded a ventilation and extraction system is introduced similar to the one used by other food outlets in Miller Arcade. Sound measures will also be needed to limit disturbance during the hours of business - 8am to midnight Sunday to Friday and 8am to 2pm on Saturdays.

The new burger bar will occupy ground floor and basement levels with seating for more than 80 diners. The plans come just six months after the Opulence Group, based in Mercer Street, Preston, submitted an application to convert the former Mokai club and New York Steakhouse in Church Street into a new restaurant.