It is common for clients to convert shops to restaurants, or to increase the operating hours of the existing shop. A Full Planning application is needed for this.
The client for this project requested a change of use from A1 to A3. He had an Off License which he wanted to convert to a restaurant.
In addition, the client wanted to add another storey above the second floor to create three residential flats above the restaurant.
This property had potential, as you see from the photo below – it is low, and can be raised. Most commecial property if this nature will have three storeys above the shop.
Currently two units exist. The design of the new floor would be mansard as below:
The Layout of the shop would change, mainly to include a cooking area and serving area with a till. At present a till and counter exists to serve the Off License customers.
In addition, a toilet had to be included to serve the restaurant clients. Normally there are no toilets in an Off License for clients.
The flat above the second floor would be exactly the same as the other two floors. Same size and same floor layout. This simplified the design, and the staircase could therefore easily be accomodated.
The final planning concern was the disposal of waste. This would be carried out by private contractors.
