Plans for new fast food outlet in Hungerford

PLANNERS are considering a proposal to open a fast food outlet in Hungerford.

Number 14 Charnham Street is currently the site of the INNformal microbrewery, which has been closed since 2021.

The application is for a change of use to a fast food outlet.

In a design and access statement sent to West Berkshire Council, applicant Third State Pizza states: “The hot food takeaway is proposed to open between 11am and 11pm daily, generating approximately 25 employment opportunities recruited from the local area.

“The site is located within a mixed-use commercial area; [the proposal] seeks to ensure that any development does not give rise to further amenity issues in relation to noise, odour, vibration or general disturbance.

“As such, it is essential that the proposals accommodate effective abatement measures to protect the health and amenity of the above residents.

“Both odour and acoustic abatement measures are proposed to be installed as part of the extraction and ventilation systems to manage the noise and odours.”

The statement adds: “The change of use will retain an active frontage in the premises, benefiting the vitality of Charnham Street.

“The site is located within an edge-of-centre location, which is a suitable location for a new hot food takeaway use providing a service that will cater for the surrounding neighbourhood and will diversify the commercial uses, benefiting the area’s vitality.”

Hungerford Town Council’s environment and planning committee has yet to comment in its advisory capacity.

Meanwhile the application can be viewed in full, and commented on, by visiting the planning section of West Berkshire Council’s website and using the reference 25/01687/FUL.