PERMISSION has been given to build a fish and chip restaurant in Spalding, despite one councillor claiming it “beggars belief” to have it in the grounds of a Grade II listed building.
Terry Tott, of Jack’s Fish Bar, won the backing of nine councillors on South Holland District Council’s planning committee to build the restaurant by Fulney Hall in Camelgate.
The restaurant, which will not be offering a takeaway service, will be in the grounds of the Grade II listed building, currently being used as a day care centre.
However, a number of objections had been put forward before Tuesday’s meeting.
Coun Christine Lawton also had reservations about the historic setting for the restaurant.
She said: “We have quite a few fish and chip shops in Spalding and not many listed buildings. To think of a chip shop in the grounds of a listed building beggars belief.
“This building still has integrity. It is what it is and it looks very attractive.”
She added: “Are we going to put a sign up saying Ye Olde English Chippe Shoppe? I am afraid I could not vote for this.”
The report given to councillors said an original application for the land would have seen Jack’s Fish Bar relocated and expanded to include a restaurant from its current base in Holbeach Road.
It said Mr Tott had identified demand from visitors to the Springfield Outlet Shopping and Gardens.
However, the plans were revised when Mr Tott decided to keep the takeaway business where it is.
Councillors were told Spalding Civic Society, Trawford, Shorrock and Associates dental practice, Springfields Tavern, UBS Trito Property Fund and Springfields Horticultural Society had all been unhappy with the plans.
Two petitions had also been submitted, with 139 dental surgery patients and 57 staff and retailers objecting.
Coun Chris Brewis said he had objected to plans for Springfields when it was built but would not be opposing this.
“It’s a restaurant where people are going to sit on their posteriors and not take hot food away,” he said.
“If they want it there, good luck to them since that part of Spalding has been altered beyond everything.”
The plans were passed nine votes to two, with one abstention.