Plans to convert former Spalding building society branch into pizza restaurant and takeaway will ‘enhance’ area say developer

The people behind plans to convert a former building society branch into a restaurant say the proposal will ‘enhance’ the area.

A Fireaway pizza branch could be opened in the former Nottingham Building Society branch in Sheep Market, Spalding, if the latest planning application is approved.

Mr P Leo has applied to South Holland District Council to change the use of the offices to a restaurant and takeaway with a one person flat to the first and second floor. In December, we reported that an application for a new sign had been submitted to the council.

The latest application’s heritage impact statement states: “The proposal would maintain and enhance the vitality and viability of the shopping area.

“The proposal would offer a more attractive and professional frontage compared to the existing use, which is an empty shop, thus minimising the potential perception of anti-social behaviour in the area.”

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The Nottingham Building Society closed its Sheep Market branch in 2022 and the building has stood empty since then.

This change of use application, which also includes the installation of extraction flue system to the rear, has highlighted the benefits of bringing the building back into use – which includes the creation of five jobs.

It states: “The proposals will provide for a pizza restaurant and takeaway in place of a set of offices that have lain empty for the past few years and may for a few more yet in light of the current economic climate.

“The restaurant and takeaway will add to the local character of the area and provide employment for up to five people at peak hours.

“The conversion works will also employ local builders for the conversion, so although a short term addition to the economy, it is always a welcome one.

“To the first and second floor, a one person living unit will be formed out of the offices and both will be in accordance with national space standards. From a social point of view it will bring residential use back to the area and ease the current situation where there is a lack of these types of dwellings in locations such as these.”

What do you think? Is this a good thing for the area?