A FORMER restaurant could be brought back into use under proposals to open a shisha lounge in the centre of Andover.

Wimpy, at 77 High Street, closed earlier this year and now the building’s owners are developing plans to open a new business in the space.

Metropark Investments (UK) Ltd had applied to Test Valley Borough Council to alter the existing shopfront/installation of shutter.

In its application, Metropark said: “With tastes changing locally, nationally and globally the business has recently been in decline so the owners are looking to rebrand the operation as part of this they are looking to create a covered area to the front of the premises within the existing floor plan. This will provide an inside / outside space which is much in demand since the Covid-19 pandemic.

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“We are looking to relocate the existing entrance doors and bi-folds deeper in the existing floor plan to create this space (no loss or gain of floor area required) with a new transparent shutter being used to secure the premises after closing.”

It added: “In our opinion the proposals will deliver a better balance of services, facilities and accommodation to the site allowing the current owners to remain in the property and operate their business providing income to the area and jobs for the local population.”

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However, the application was rejected by council planners who said that “no information regarding the need for these shutters nor the reasoning for the front elevation to be set back have been presented to the council”.

The decision notice continued: “A license has been applied for to Test Valley Borough Council’s licensing team for the use of the ground floor of the building as a shisha lounge. The applicant has been advised that this would require planning permission.

“Equally, an illuminated sign has been installed on the property, advertisement consent has not been granted for this signage. This application only considers the physical alterations to the external façade of the building.”

The licensing application states that the premises could be open 8am-11pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 11pm Sunday.