Talks underway to turn a Lancashire shoe shop into a fast food chain like Dixy Chicken or Chester’s
A former ladies’ shoe shop in a Lancashire town centre has been earmarked for a new hot food takeaway as a better alternative to a betting or vape shop.
Applicant Ahsan-ul Haq wants to convert 88 Blackburn Road, Accrington, which was formerly Archway Footwear.
He has applied to Hyndburn Council for the change of use and installation of a 500mm diameter extraction flue vent pipe through the roof.
The planning application notes that only gambling shops, vape shops, restaurants and food to eat on the go premises appear to do well currently, with the applicant choosing to open the latter.
It also states that discussions are underway for the premises to become a reputable fast food chain such as Dixy Chicken, Chester’s and Mr T’s.
A supporting statement says: “The application address is an end terraced retail shop at the junction of Blackburn Road and Edgar Street, very close to the railway arches, and sited within the Accrington Town Centre Conservation Area.
“It is within a parade of other hot food takeaways with a taxi base office immediately to the rear, with The Stanley public house adjacent.
“The property currently lies vacant but operated for many years as a female footwear shop, with the first floor used as a repairs workshop
“The business operated under the name of under the name of ‘Archway Footwear’.
“With the demise of such retail shops throughout small towns due to the advent of online shopping, the property was sold.
“Due to high demand, the only businesses that seem to be doing well are either gambling, vape shops, or food to eat on the go, or restaurants.
“The owners are not looking to open a run-of-the-mill hot food takeaway but are in discussions with a number of reputable Hotfood Franchises such as Dixy Chicken, Chester’s and Mr T’s.
“The owners are now seeking to operate a business and bring the property back into use.
“The business will operate from 16:00 to 23:00hrs as to avoid any harm to nearby education establishments
“The premises will be operated by two to three staff.
“The property lies within Accrington town centre with free parking facilities surrounding the site.
“The proposal will have a positive impact on the vitality and viability of this local area and retain the commercial status of the premises.
“The development will be of a high standard and bring into the Accrington town centre a well-known and established brand name, as generated in similar towns such as Blackburn.
“It was also considered that the heritage asset has little historical significance in that it is not a rarity and that the proposal represents a material benefit and that it would secure the future use of the building.”
Council planners will review the application at a later date.