Stage all set for diners

A former theatre in Southwell town centre is to be converted into a restaurant, despite a petition signed by 600 people opposing the idea.

The application by Mr Douglas Gascoine for 6a Market Place and the saleroom above it was approved by Newark and Sherwood District Council planning committee on Tuesday.

The saleroom, which is listed for protection, was once used as a theatre for travelling players, but had recently been used as a storage area.

The restaurant plans would see the health food shop that currently occupies 6a become the entrance with steps leading to a first floor dining area.

The back of the shop would become the kitchen and storage area.

There would be enough room for 50 diners, along with a private dining room, a lounge and bar.

Southwell Town Council objected because of concerns about noise and smells from the restaurant

There were other concerns about the economic impact caused by the loss of a shop and possible parking problems.

Southwell Civic Society supported the restaurant idea in what it described as a key location but said there was not enough information about any planned alterations to the buildings.

The society wanted the building’s historic use as a theatre to be acknowledged in the final refurbishment.

There were 13 letters of objection from people worried about the loss of the health food shop, the loss of the former theatre and potential problems of traffic, noise and smell.

Some said there already were enough restaurants in Southwell.

The neighbouring Saracen’s Head Hotel was worried about possible damage to an Elizabethan painting on a wall adjoining the application building during restoration work.

Those who signed the petition objected because of the loss of the health food shop and agreed that there were enough restaurants.

Mr Roger Blaney said it was an interesting application that he would support but he wanted to ensure that it could not be used for take-away food and the upstairs bar could only be used by diners.

Mrs Pauline Jenkins, a Southwell district councillor, said there was a lot of concern in the town about the loss of a shop but she did not object to the plan and felt it would be a good use of an empty building.

The head of planning, Mr Mike Evans, recommended the application be approved.

He said the restaurant was unlikely to cause the problems raised by the objectors and said that although the committee could control the change of use of a shop it had no control over tenancy agreements that were private matters between the occupant and the landlord.

He said the applicant had said alternative premises had been offered for the health food shop at a similar rent.

“I consider that the reuse of the disused first floor premises would make a positive contribution to the vitality of the town centre,” he said.