After residential conversion of the upper floors of the ex Barclays Bank at 5 Church Street, landlord Hague Investments has submitted plans for ground and first floor use as a restaurant. The tenant is not identified in the application.
However we would not expect it to be a fast food one, given the letting to McDonald’s in the same block all of which is owned by Hague.
https://planning.agileapplications.co.uk/mole/application-details/125932
The planning system operates on use classes rather than permissioning a particular brand of shop or restaurant. Clearly there is turnover in the restaurant sector with particular brands coming and going over the years and as an institutional portfolio landlord Hague has a longer term approach to its real estate. It would be unreasonable to object on the basis they should find another bank to occupy the property for its current use.
The architect has used the project as a case study on its website
https://www.ib-architects.co.uk/workspacesandleisure/emlynhouse
“The ground and first floors will be transformed from a bank into a dynamic restaurant space, featuring new glazing to replace the existing infilled shop front. This design aims to enhance street presence and integrate seamlessly with the surrounding architectural context.
The frontage enhancement features the introduction of slim-framed, aluminium windows and reconstituted stone surrounds to create a modern, attractive fully glazed shop front. The rear extension of a sunken courtyard to extend the ground and first-floor spaces, improves usability without altering the building’s height or overshadowing adjacent properties.
As with all our retrofit projects there is an important focus on sustainability, and whilst reusing the existing building’s structure reduces embodied carbon, upgrades to the building fabric (using breathable insulation) and the introduction of a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system will improve energy efficiency and reductions to operational carbon.
The redevelopment of Emlyn House into a restaurant space is a well-considered project that respects the historical and architectural context of Leatherhead while contributing to its economic and social vitality. By integrating sustainable practices and maintaining the character of the conservation area, this project exemplifies thoughtful urban development.”
Leatherhead Living 