American diner on the menu for former Bamber Bridge bank

A disused bank in Bamber Bridge is set to be transformed into an American-style diner.
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South Ribble Borough Council’s planning committee approved the proposal for the former RBS building on Station Road - but the operator of the new venture will have to prove that their noise control plans are sufficient to prevent causing disturbance to an adjoining funeral home.

It is intended that the venue will host live music events, periodically, on Fridays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays up until midnight.

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The outlet will also serve alcohol from 11am each day - two hours after its 9am opening - and will close at 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, 11pm on Sundays and midnight for the rest of the week.

The former RBS site on Station Road in Bamber BridgeThe former RBS site on Station Road in Bamber Bridge
The former RBS site on Station Road in Bamber Bridge

Committee member Cllr Christine Melia said that the business would have to be “mindful that it’s not too noisy [for] relatives visiting loved ones at the funeral parlour”.

A condition has been imposed meaning that an acoustic survey will have to be carried out - focusing particularly on the effect of amplified music - and the resultant mitigation measures approved by the authority before the business can begin operating. The requirement was specifically requested by the neighbouring funeral home operator.

Meanwhile, Cllr Mary Green expressed concern that any “garish, bright-coloured lights” incorporated into the design of the building could shine directly into homes opposite.

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However, a separate application will be needed to govern the proposed use of illuminated signage.

The committee heard that although the change of use would result in the loss of a retail unit from the town’s high street, it would not damage “the vitality” of the district centre, given that the unit is currency vacant - and has been since January 2019.

The man behind the plans, Andrew Bland, intends to use the large open plan area within the building as the main restaurant space. Food will be served between 9am and 10pm every day.

Just one objection to the proposal was received, with six expressions of support - citing the creation of jobs, the removal of “an eyesore” boarded-up unit and the introduction of something new to the area.

Committee member Cllr Will Adams said it was a “straightforward” decision.

“It’s bringing a disused building back into use and I think it would be good for the local area,” he said.