Designs for new KFC revealed

The Standard reported last month that the chicken chain had submitted its plans to West Lindsey District Council.

And now the full document, including artists impressions of the proposed build, can be seen on the council’s website.

If approved, the old court house on Roseway would be bulldozed to make way for a futuristic-looking red, grey and glass clad structure.

Set over three storeys, the restaurant would extend lengthways down North Street, with the entrance facing Roseway.

A two way car entrance would also be created off Roseway, leading to a 25 parking spaces and a drive-thru loop, operating clockwise.

Grassed areas would also be created along the Church Street boundary and landscaping along Roseway and North Street.

And a new brick wall would be built along Church Street and part of Roseway, acting as a partial screen from the street.

“We consider this scheme to represent the right balance between giving this gateway site the modern, landmark building that it deserves and respecting important neighbouring heritage assets,” said Vincent Ryan from Barton Willmore planning consultancy, which has led the KFC application.

“Whilst still in the planning application process, the proposed development is the culmination of many months of proactive dialogue with officers of the district and county councils.”

If approved, KFC hope to have the restaurant open by mid-2013, creating 25 new jobs for local people.

Pre-application talks with officers from WLDC planning department have featured the issue of design, and the potential impact on nearby historic buildings.

Although the site is not in a conservation area, there are eight listed buildings within a 100m radius.

The restaurant would be just a stone’s throw from the Grade I listed All Saints’ Parish Church on Church Street, Gainsborough Heritage Centre on North Street and the derelict Friendship Inn on North Street.

In light of this it was agreed that English Heritage would be consulted, and their response fed back to the WLDC planning committee to inform the final decision.

The design statement within the planning application states that a heritage assessment had been conducted, which ‘demonstrated that the proposed development will have a positive impact on the setting of these important heritage assets’.

It also states: ‘The integration of landscape features and boundary treatments into the development proposals will also play a key role in sensitively integrating the development into the local environment’.

Mr Ryan said: “ The proposed development will not only result in the much needed physical regeneration of this redundant site, but will also create new job opportunities and raise the profile of Gainsborough town centre even further with the introduction of another major brand.”

The council is keen to develop what it sees as ‘key regeneration sites’ in the town centre, and the old magistrates court is one of these.