Shoestrings Chippenham boss speaks out on planning uncertainty

Family-run takeaway Shoestrings’ second restaurant, Shoestrings Chargrill on Audley Road in Chippenham, remains open and director Martin Webb has no plans to relocate or close the branch.

But uncertainty over the future of the building remains, with a planning application to demolish both the restaurant and the adjacent store, Allumino Ltd, awaiting a council decision.

Landlord Gerald Mitchell has proposed the construction of a single new retail space in place of the current two buildings, with a two-bedroom apartment on a second floor.

It is unclear what Mr Mitchell’s plans for this retail space are or what this would mean for the future of either business.

Despite the plans nearing a decision, Mr Webb emphasised that Shoestrings will carry on running as normal until they are told otherwise by their landlord.

He said: “We’re still operating normally. We’ve heard nothing from the landlord so we’re carrying on as normal.

“We have no plans to move from there and we’re none the wiser about what’s going to happen ourselves.

“We’re opening as we normally would and are waiting for any developments… until then it’s just rumours”.

The takeaway's other branch, at The Bridge, is also open as usual.

The deadline for a decision passed on April 20 without update but Nick Charlton of Inspire Architects, who are acting as an agent for Mr Mitchell, is confident the plans will be approved.

“We have a policy of checking in every two weeks to see how things are going”, he said. “The project architect checked in about a week ago and had no reason to think they would refuse it.

“We are really hopeful for consent. I think it’s a really good scheme and a massive improvement on what’s there if it gets built.”

Mr Charlton is also in the dark over future plans for the proposed building.

He added: “Plans for the tenants and whether the landowner is going to keep them haven’t been disclosed to us.

“He might have something in mind, but he may not, we don’t know.”

If planning permission is granted, the new two storey building will sit between the West End Working Men’s Club and the West End Close residential complex.

An adjoining garage will also be built.

The planning application has not received any objections from consultees.

Mr Mitchell has been approached for comment via Inspire Architects but has not responded.