Celebrity chef Nick Nairn is on track to see his Bridge of Allan restaurant rise from the ashes after it was destroyed by fire.
Fire crews were called to the blaze at Nick’s on Henderson Street on a Saturday evening last August to tackle a well-developed fire in the kitchen.
The efforts of cool-headed staff and a quick-thinking off-duty police officer ensured that diners were evacuated out of the property within 90 seconds, helping to prevent any major casualties.
But the premises were severely damaged.
Now, however, Stirling Council planners have conditionally approved an application by Littlejohns Investments Ltd for demolition and replacement of the kitchen.
In their decision, the planners said: “The applicant has provided drawings which illustrate that the existing kitchen, store room, hallway and male toilets are required to be demolished due to fire damage. This section of the property will be replaced with a dry and wet store, kitchen, male toilet, disabled toilet and roof bin enclosure. The drawings illustrate that there will be some alterations to the internal layout of other sections within the building.
“The proposed demolition and replacements to the restaurant have been designed to reflect the character and amenity of the local area.
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“The proposed alterations will help to protect and enhance the Bridge of Allan local town centre by facilitating the continued use of the restaurant, increasing the vitality and vibrancy of the town centre.
“As the building is subject to recent fire damage, and was in active use prior to the fire, it is considered to be of low risk in terms of protected species. However, an Advisory Note has been recommended to remind the applicant to their legal responsibilities to protected species.”
Speaking to the Observer following the fire Mr Nairn said the fire had started in a fryer which then exploded and praised staff and customers for their actions at the time.
He said the restaurant had been inundated by well-wishers and cards from locals in Bridge of Allan.
“The community spirit is kind of why we moved here and I’ve never felt more valued and loved than in this community - you see who your friends are and we have a lot of them here, it’s just been truly uplifting.”
