Itsu plan to open in former bank space
Asian food chain looking to change permitted use
Plans have been submitted for new additions to Windsor town centre’s retail and food offerings.
An Itsu may be opening on the site of the now-close Halifax bank on Peascod Street, Windsor – if the council agrees to it.
Itsu Ltd is looking for a permitted change of use for the building from financial services to a restaurant.
The building consists of three floors, previously occupied by Halifax Plc at ground and first floor level. It currently lies vacant, following the cessation of the bank branch in December last year.
This application seeks the change of use of the ground and first floor for the proposed Itsu chain. There are no plans to change the exterior or add any ancillary elements.
The site is in a Conservation Area and lies immediately adjacent to the Grade II Listed 27 & 28 Peascod Street.
“It is deemed that the proposed change of use will not cause an impact to the surrounding heritage assets, given the minor nature of the application,” wrote Rolfe Judd Planning, representing Itsu.
This eatery’s model is to sell food and drinks prepared elsewhere. No cooking on site is necessary – food is simply reheated on site.
“The store therefore requires very little cooking equipment and there is no need for extractor ventilation that can be potentially harmful to the surrounding amenities,” said
Rolfe Judd Planning.
To get permission for the change, written consent must be given to supersede a certain condition; that the property ‘shall be permanently maintained as bank or building society.’
The reasoning for this condition was to ‘maintain the vitality and viability of Windsor town centre’.
“Nonetheless, it is determined that [eatery] use would not be contrary to this premise, bringing forth a suitable alternative that will encourage socio-economic use of the site,” wrote Rolfe Judd Planning.
“The site currently lies vacant, bringing no social or economic benefit to the area.
“The proposed change of use would ensure proactive use of the site as an employment premise, stimulating job creation and encouraging economic growth in the area.
“The proposed change ... will provide a fitting use in high demand.”
To see all documents related to this planning application, enter reference 23/03086/FULL into Windsor and Maidenhead council’s planning portal.
Meanwhile, plans have been submitted to install signage for a new Mango store at a unit in Windsor Yards.
The application to the Royal Borough seeks consent to display an illuminated sign featuring the name of the Spanish clothing company at Unit 35 in Windsor Yards, King Edward Court.
At a Windsor Town Forum meeting in September last year, Windsor town manager Paul Roach confirmed that a new Mango store was set to move into the former New Look retail unit.
At the time, a spokesperson from Mango’s corporate communication team confirmed plans for Mango to arrive in Windsor in the coming months.
The application for the new shop front sign, featuring the Mango name, was received and validated in December and is currently awaiting decision.
The new store will feature the women and kids’ lines, as well as New Med – a Mediterranean-inspired store concept.
An opening date for the new store is yet to be confirmed.