A BID to open a new Nando’s in Kidderminster took another step forward this week.
The new Nando’s is set to open on Riverside Walk later this year in the former Bistrot Pierre unit.
On Wednesday, Wyre Forest District Council’s planning committee approved alterations to the shopfront.
These alterations will include changes to window and door openings, an external takeaway access hatch being created and the installation of planters and metal and timber screens to the outdoor seating area.
The application was referred to the planning committee due to an objection by Kidderminster Town Council.
The town council raised concerns that while they supported the rest of the application, the hatch proposed at the front of the building is likely to affect the pedestrian walkway as a result of increased delivery traffic.
However, council officers have concluded the hatch would not give rise to unacceptable impacts on highway safety or pedestrian movement, and felt the concerns raised by consultees have been satisfactorily addressed.
In addition, the applicants, Nando’s Chickenland Ltd, said the access hatch would enable efficient takeaway collections by Deliveroo drivers.
Work has already begun at the unit.
The leader of the council, Coun Marcus Hart, said: “I can see no reason to object to this, and the sooner this is approved and brought back into life, the better.
“Nando’s is an important addition to our vision of creating a destination town centre that draws people in throughout the day and into the evening.”
Coun Fran Oborski added: “It is very important to get this unit back into use after the demise of Bistro Pierre, so I am really happy to support this.”
In January, Wyre Forest District Council, which owns the development, revealed it was in talks with Nando’s for a lease agreement.
