Restaurant plan at derelict store

A former Lye wine merchants which has been derelict for more than a decade could be turned into an Indian restaurant - if a planning wrangle can be resolved.

Permission is being sought to extend the former Nickolls & Perks store which has broken windows and is covered in undergrowth so it can re-open as an Indian restaurant.

Plans to open the restaurant have attracted a 25-name petition from residents who fear it would create litter problems.

In 2000 JD Wetherspoon was granted permission to turn the premises into a pub but the firm never took this up.

Mohammed Uddin applied in 2005 to extend the time period to make use of the planning permission for restaurant use. There is a five-year-time period after planning permission is granted to make use of it. Mr Uddin was given a year extension until June 26 last year.

To still have planning permission he must prove he was using the premises as a restaurant or takeaway within that period.

Planning officer Fasial Agha said that officers had been satisfied that Mr Uddin has used the premises to cook and prepare food on the weekend of June 24.