Plans for eyesore take away
AN EYESORE shop which has been empty for a quarter of a century may be given a new lease of life if a change of use request is approved.
The May Wah House takeaway on Regent Street, Hinckley, has not seen activity in 25 years.
Now A2Z taxi services want to use it as their town centre base.
Since closing in the early 90s the building has fallen into disrepair with dilapidated boards at the windows and doors.
The premises has become such a blight on the busy shopping and leisure street that Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council have issued numerous enforcement notices to tidy up the site.
Prior to this new planning application being submitted by A2Z the council had been in a position to undertake prosecution action.
If approved the bid would ensure the renovation of the property.
A supporting statement says: “This proposal seeks to bring the building back into use by converting the ground floor into offices for use by A2Z, a local taxi company. The upper floors will be subject to a separate application.
“The office is only expected to have two permanent staff members and the town centre location means that staff can get to work via public transport.
“The building is to be used solely as the base for A2Z to take bookings and will not be used as a depot for the drivers to leave their cars.
“All of the taxis used by A2Z are hackney cabs and as such they are expected to be based in the taxi ranks when not in use. This is the current method of operation and the relocation of the main office is not expected to change this.”
A2Z is a well known Hinckley taxi firm offering a 24 hour service in Leicestershire, serving Barwell, Burbage, Earl Shilton, Hollycroft and all villages, including Stoney Stanton and Broughton Astley.
It is currently based in Barwell Lane, Hinckley, and has been in operation for around 10 years.
The application will be decided upon either at planning committee or by an officer through delegated powers.