Plans for new Wick takeaway at former newsagent’s shop

In February, McColl’s announced plans to shut 330 stores nationwide over the next few years, with the outlet in Wick Parade closing its doors for the last time in early March.

Now an application has been submitted to add another takeaway to those already on the parade.

As well as the change of use of the shop, the plans include the installation of an extractor flue and fresh air intake pipe on the roof.

The council has received a number of objections, with one business owner saying there had been a ‘terrible rat problem’ on the parade over the past few years.

Another raised concerns about an ‘over-intensification’ of takeaways in the area – but did ask if the owner could include a free to use cash machine on the site.

The only other such machine on the parade was removed when McColl’s closed and the council was told ‘its loss is keenly felt’ by residents.

If the application is approved, the takeaway will open from 10.30am-11pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30am-10pm on Sundays and bank holidays.

In a design statement submitted with the application, agents Sloane & Brown Ltd said it was important for shopping centres to be ‘resilient’, adding that opening the takeaway could help improve footfall to the area and ‘help to ensure that Wick Parade is a viable location to visit and shop’.

To view the application, log on to www.arun.gov.uk/planning and search for LU/84/20/PL.

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