Ice cream plan for empty Stirling premises

A new ice cream franchise could be set to welcome cool customers once again to a vacant Stirling shop.

Businesswoman Sadia Shakoor of Crunch Munch has lodged an application with Stirling Council planners for a change of use of the Chen Li shop at 49 Cowane Street to turn it into a takeaway ice cream snack bar.

In supporting information, the applicant’s agents say the hope is to create an outlet of the Cream Curls franchise, which specialises in the technique of rolled ice cream as well as selling other fast foods including burgers and hot dogs.

Cream Curls is currently expanding its franchises, including its second Scottish outlet expected to open soon in Edinburgh, joining one in Motherwell. Its fast-food dessert parlours are designed and decorated with a retro American diner theme.

In a supporting statement submitted with the planning application, Ms Shakoor’s agents said:“The applicants propose to open a Stirling branch of the Cream Curls Specialist Ice-Cream franchise which has been expanding successfully throughout the UK.

“They propose to convert the former Honest Foods Retail Shop at 49 Cowane Street, Stirling which will involve a change of use from the current Class 1 (Shops) to a food takeaway selling mainly specialist rolled ice creams.

“Cream Curls Stirling shall sell mainly ice cream and other cold snacks, but the shop will also serve a limited range of hot foods such as burgers and hot dogs which will be prepared in a small oven requiring minimal domestic scale ventilation extract.

“The business will primarily sell food for consumption off the premises, although there will be up to six diner stools for customers to use for diner style eating in the shop.

“The proposed change of use represents a great opportunity to revitalise a vacant and rather tired looking commercial property on a prominent street within the conservation area. Cream Curls Stirling will be a positive redevelopment of an unoccupied property that will establish a vibrant new business with opportunities for local employment.”