NOT even a week after the official opening of Rick Stein in Marlborough, there is already talk of him opening a guest house in the town.

The restaurant held its official opening on Saturday (October 8) with the bright lights of the Mop fair flooding the High Street outside, but it doesn't seem to stop there for Mr Stein's business in Marlborough.

On Monday (October 10) town councillors discussed an application by Mr Stein to branch out and open a guest house.

Shelley Parker, Marlborough town clerk, said: “At the Planning meeting, the main decision centred round the application by Rick Stein for a change of use for the former estate agents next to the new restaurant to a guest house. This was welcomed by Councillors who raised no objections to the application.”

The filling of yet another empty shop front in the High Street has given councillors reason to be happy, with aims to increase the footfall at the south end of the street.

Councillors Elizabeth Hanniford-Dobson and councillor Stewart Dobson both expressed their delight with the prospect of another well-established businesses coming to the town.

Coun Hanniford-Dobson said: “The council think it is a great idea, it means that there will be an increase in trade in the town and we welcome it fully.”

Coun Dobson said: “I think it’s a very good thing indeed, it is great news that Rick Stein is interested in opening the guest house. The estate agents has been closed for a few months, I am not sure exactly how long. The focus is to bring more footfall at the far end of the High Street, sometimes it may feel that one side of the High Street gets more business than the other and things like the Rick Stein guest house would boost business on the south end.”

But not everyone is happy with the plans to create four letting rooms at 42a High Street next to his restaurant at Lloran House and for a connection between the two building to be restored.

Tom Lonergan of Old Lion Court said in a letter of objection that there would not be room for the six spaces allowed for in the plan. He writes: "The area concerned would not support six vehicles, let alone both plans."

A neighbour has also written to object to the noise the construction work would cause. Mr D Jones writes: "“Knocking through from the restaurant will cause further noise to the residents who live in the court.”

An agents report to Wiltshire Council says no external changes would be made.

Mr Stein will also be at the White Horse Bookshop on Saturday (October 15) from 3.30pm-4.30pm to sign copies of his books, including the latest release Long Weekends.