Takeaway plans for former bookies in Rushden

Plans have been submitted to turn a former bookies into a takeway.

The application is for change of use from a licensed betting shop to hot food takeaway together with external extract flue, roller shutter and fascia sign to the front elevation of 172, Wellingborough Road in Rushden.

Documents submitted as part of the application say: "There have been no enquiries for the unit for retail use since the property became vacant in Feb 2019.

"One possible use to be considered was for conversion to residential use but this would not add to the area being used as a local centre.

"The applicant is seeking this change of use to increase the possibilities of letting the unit.

"An empty shop unit is seen as detrimental to the local centre setting.

"It is felt that there is a market for a takeaway facility and therefore the unit would be occupied and offer an improved image to the area than an empty unit."

The application says change of use to food takeaway would involve minimal alterations to the building.

It would be identical to the previous use to the adjoining property at 170, Wellingborough Road which was a food takeaway for more than 30 years and is now a beauty salon.

And the application adds: "The proposed occupier already runs a successful business and wants to expand into a larger premises."

It also says that they believe an occupied unit would be more visually appealing than a vacant unit and it would be a source of local employment.

East Northants Council will consider the application.

For more details about the plans, search for 20/01392/FUL on the planning portal of the council's website.

Message from the editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive.

We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you