Expanding Indian restaurant business aims to open new takeaway in Sleaford

A former estate agent’s office could become a new Indian takeaway in Sleaford.
21 Northgate in Sleaford, formerly the Sleaford office of Pygott and Crone estate agents, now proposed to become an Indian takeaway. EMN-210413-17001600121 Northgate in Sleaford, formerly the Sleaford office of Pygott and Crone estate agents, now proposed to become an Indian takeaway. EMN-210413-170016001
21 Northgate in Sleaford, formerly the Sleaford office of Pygott and Crone estate agents, now proposed to become an Indian takeaway. EMN-210413-170016001

The owners of La Royale Indian restaurant on the A17 near Cranwell have applied for planning permission and listed building consent for the conversion of the former Pygott and Crone office at 21 Northgate, which has stood empty for four years since the business relocated to Southgate.

They explain in their submission to North kesteven District Council that they already have several restaurants in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and London.

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Due to the popularity of their La Royale restaurant they say they would like to open a takeaway in town to reduce the pressure at busy times and expand the menu to different cuisines.

The property is a grade two listed building in French Gothic style, built by Charles Kirk in 1850. EMN-210413-170027001The property is a grade two listed building in French Gothic style, built by Charles Kirk in 1850. EMN-210413-170027001
The property is a grade two listed building in French Gothic style, built by Charles Kirk in 1850. EMN-210413-170027001

They propose to open from 3pm to midnight on weekdays and until 1am at weekends and bank holidays.

Upstairs would be converted into a one bedroom flat for the manager.

Rick Smith Design of Sleaford has made the application on behalf of their clients, pointing out that it is a Grade Two listed building that was formerly known as the Lafford Restaurant.

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Built around 1850 by Charles Kirk as a lodge it is in French Gothic style. to the left of the building is an archway leading through to Parry Court residential properties.

Indian takeaway plans for former estate agent's office in Northgate, Sleaford. EMN-210413-170037001Indian takeaway plans for former estate agent's office in Northgate, Sleaford. EMN-210413-170037001
Indian takeaway plans for former estate agent's office in Northgate, Sleaford. EMN-210413-170037001

He states: “There will be no impact on the significance of the building due to the proposed works. The only external changes will be a new sign and an extraction vent replacing a panel of glass on the side window and an extraction unit on the rear aspect flat roof which was a later add on. The changes will be be no more obtrusive than what already exists.”

The extraction vents would open onto the walkway leading down to St George’s Academy.

He adds: “Internally the existing and outdated office decoration will be updated with a contemporary space making the building more usable going forwards.

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“The changes to the building will enable the use of a building that has been vacant for over four years with minimal changes to the existing fabric and appearance.”

He adds: “The proposed works take a sympathetic and sensitive approach to the existing building. The proposals affect the listed building in a minimal way and have minimal impact.”

NKDC’s Environmental Services department does not object to the proposed development, however recommends the opening hours form part of the planning conditions.

Last year the property was given planning permission to become an internet gaming cafe, but this has not progressed.