Debate urged on restaurant venture amid rejection fears

THE chief executive of a leading chain of Italian restaurants has called for a full public debate on plans for a new venture in Harrogate amid concerns a decision to block the scheme will be taken behind closed doors.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Jun 2013, 01:01 BST

Up to 35 jobs are expected to be created if the blueprints to transform a former opticians in the spa town into a Carluccio’s restaurant become a reality.

But chief executive Simon Kossoff said he was concerned a decision would be taken by the authority’s officers under delegated powers, meaning it will not be debated in a public planning committee meeting.

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Mr Kossoff said: “We have been trying to have an ongoing dialogue with the council, but unfortunately we do not believe the arguments for the new Carluccio’s are being heard properly.

“We believe it should be heard before the planning committee so the arguments can be properly explained, examined and understood. We also believe Harrogate is a perfect location for the restaurant, and it will bring new jobs and added vitality to the town.”

An application was submitted in April to convert the former Optical Express into the new restaurant. Mr Kossoff acknowledged approval would mean a change of use for the building from retail to a restaurant. But he stressed the new Carluccio’s would retain a significant element of retail business as it would include a food store selling Italian meats and cheeses and pastries. He also highlighted a public consultation event which was attended by 150 people, and claimed the majority had supported the proposals.

It would be the third Carluccio’s to open in Yorkshire, with two restaurants already in Leeds. There are a total of 75 restaurants across the UK, with others in Ireland, Turkey and Dubai.

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A council spokeswoman confirmed about 90 per cent of planning applications are decided by delegated powers, but maintained a developer could argue for a decision to be taken by a planning committee. Applicants are also able to appeal to the Secretary of State should planning permission be refused.

She added: “Delegated powers give greater efficiency to the planning process, if all applications had to go to committee there would be serious delays which applicants would find unacceptable.”

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