A chippy owner's ambitious basement bar plan has been put in danger by 'absolutely crazy' energy bills. The proposals for a bar area underneath the Lace Market Fish Bar, in Stoney Street, include a new seating area and were given permission by Nottingham City Council on September 2.
The owner of the business had hoped to serve alcohol in the fitted out basement bar alongside chippy favourites, but despite the local council giving him the green light, he is now reconsidering his options due to soaring energy bills. Owner Basri Alia, who has traded on Stoney Street for 13 years, said: "I thought we'd get planning and then an alcohol license for it to be a bar in the basement, but honestly I need to see now because the gas and electricity bills have gone absolutely crazy.
"I'm not quite sure to be honest, I need to see if this Prime Minister [newly appointed Liz Truss] does anything. If not I will need to knock it on the head.
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The plans would have seen space currently used as a redundant storage turned into a bar facility, with stairs leading from the front of the shop to a lower floor. In this basement, there would be a bar with a service and preparation area, seating for customers, as well as toilets.
Mr Alia added: "Months ago it was an exciting plan but with those bills I will not be able open the bar at all, but we will have to see. I don't know what we are going to do.
"We were looking to have a seating area, and introducing alcohol at the full bar. But the prices have put everything on hold.
"We wanted to add more to the business and spend some money for something extra for customers - and give us the opportunity for more takings. But if bills go like this it won't be worth it, it just would be too much."
The bar was meant to be a part of wider renovations, set out in three separate planning applications, for the chippy. An application was also being made to replace the existing shopfront with a new "more aesthetically pleasing shopfront", as well as for consent to display a new illuminated sign for the fish bar.
A Nottingham City Council planning officer had endorsed the unusual underground addition in a decision notice, saying: "The use of the basement as a bar would be compatible with its surroundings and, in a small way, add to the vibrancy and vitality of the area."
The officer also concluded the proposal would have "no adverse impact" on neighbouring properties or residents in terms of privacy or outlook. It is also recognised that the proposed use will additionally require Licensing approval, during which the hours of use and security matters raised by the Police would be addressed.
Nottinghamshire Police raised no objection but enquired about the security arrangements. The applicant confirmed a call out alarm covering the property would be installed, and that CCTV would cover all inside spaces inside as well as security door staff.
The force concluded due to the prospective bar's small size and the context of its surroundings there would not be a "harmful impact in terms of noise, disturbance, litter or anti-social behaviour". A planning document outlined that if the proposed use were to be enacted, it would require Licensing approval, during which the hours of use and security matters raised by the police would be addressed.
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