A FORMER convenience store could be transformed into a Japanese restaurant.

Planning permission is being applied for to change the old Lali Gurash convenience store, in London Street, in the Top of The Town, into a Teppanyaki Japanese restaurant.

As well as being an eatery, the restaurant would also offer a takeaway service.

However, the applicant Tokyo Universal Goods Ltd said this would not come into effect immediately after opening, if planning permission is granted.

A planning statement submitted to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, states that if given the green light, the restaurant would create five full-time jobs and one part-time job.

The planning statement read: “The proposal would comprise a trading area on the ground floor of the premises.

“The basement would comprise of a storage area. An accessible would be located on the ground floor near existing staircase which is situated in the middle of premises, the proposed toilets would be for male/female and staff.

“The existing shopfronts will stay same as existing except proposed signage. The proposed signage will be same existing signage. The background colour, fonts and font colour will same as existing.

“Signage is to consist of replacement fascia signs, utilising existing signage zones and same in design. The fascia signs will be not illuminated.”

The building is Grade II listed but with the alterations being to the interior of the building it is believed any changes would have minimal impact.

A heritage statement read: “The current proposal addresses the current legislation, policy, protection of listed buildings in a way that keeps the value of architectural significance.

For more information, go to planning.basingstoke.gov.uk and search for the code 18/02868/LBC.