March 20, 2019 12.54 pm This story is over 61 months old

Former Bailgate bank set to become restaurant

We’re banking on fish and chips!
The Bailgate Lloyd closed in November.

The former Lloyds TSB bank on Bailgate is to become a restaurant with takeaway facilities.

The bank closed in November last year, and now applicant Matt Gull wants to turn the ground floor into a new business venture – believed to be a Fish and Chip restaurant

The restaurant would be accessed from the Bailgate, while the takeaway aspect would be accessed from St Paul’s Lane to the rear.

Officers, recommending approval to City of Lincoln councillors next Wednesday, said in their report: “Given the range of uses in the wider area officers are satisfied that the principle of the proposed use, as well as being supported in principle by policies, would be appropriate to the building and location.

“It is not considered that the use would detract from the vitality or viability of the primary shopping area or result in the area losing its mixed use character.”

Documents submitted to the council outline how the building will employ 16 full-time and 24 part-timer staff.

Opening times within the application form are listed as 7am until midnight.

Objectors have complained about the potential impacts of those using the takeaway, including parking issues, litter and rodents.

Several on the City of Lincoln planning portal believe the fish and chip shop will be the bigger part due to the nature of the business – rather than the background business as suggested by the applicant.

A 27-signature petition is also due to be handed in.

However, officers state: “The application does not identify an end-user nor does legislation state that the operator of the premises is required to be identified on submission of the application.”

They add: “Officers consider that the mix of use as a restaurant and takeaway would add to the offer of food premises within the Bailgate area.

“In the future if there are concerns regarding the operation of the ancillary nature of the takeaway the matter could be investigated by the Planning Enforcement Team.”

SUBSCRIBE TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEKLY, our exclusive email newsletter with highlights from coverage every week, as well as insights and analysis from our local democracy reporters.