A DECISION on whether to give celebrity chef Rick Stein planning permission to open a new restaurant in Marlborough is expected to be made this week.

Wiltshire Council has set a target date of Friday to decide whether to approve or reject Stein’s plans to turn Lloran House in the High Street, which was previously used as a clothing shop, into a restaurant which would seat 102 diners and employ 40 members of staff.

There has been mixed views in the town about the chef’s proposal, with the majority excited about the proposal. However, there has been concerns from people living in Old Lion Court behind Lloran House, which were raised at one of Marlborough Town Council’s planning meetings.

Some residents are concerned about the loss of privacy, potential aroma of food flowing into their homes, the noise as well as worries about where rubbish will be stored.

In a letter about the application submitted to Wiltshire Council, Alison Galvin-Wright said: “We all live here because it is quiet and secure and a large restaurant and its additional servicing and long and late hours is not acceptable.”

Deborah Jones added: “However prestigious the name of Rick Stein, the fact is it is just another franchise of what will inevitably be a high street chain, where perhaps Marlborough has so many of those.

"And where there are, most definitely, better places to site such premises rather than in a small residential courtyard with difficult access and no parking for patrons or staff of the restaurant.”

However, Ian Mellor said: “A top quality restaurant will be a great asset to the town. Not only will this use provide a great venue for local residents it will also encourage visitors and tourists and will encourage people to stay longer in town.

“This is a wonderful opportunity which should be applauded. There are no sound planning reasons to refuse this. On the other hand there are numerous reasons why this should be granted and encouraged."