Well known restaurant wants to move into York – but some aren’t happy

An empty shop in the heart of York could become the city’s newest restaurant.

The unit – 19-23 Feasegate – used to be the fashion shop CMD. But permission is now being sought to change it into a food venue “to enable future operation by a well-known restaurant”.

However not everyone is happy. The Guildhall planning panel has already lodged an objection.

The premises have been empty since January 2017. In planning documents submitted to City of York Council, the applicant outlines the case for turning the ground floor and partial first floor into the restaurant.

“Introducing a restaurant along Feasegate will encourage footfall, enhance the vitality and viability of the area and make better use of a vacant property,” the application says.

Grade II listed

According to the application the building has been marketed as a shop for more than two years “with no success whatsoever”.

The new restaurant would operate between 9am to midnight and have capacity for 60 or 70 people.

Dating from the mid-19th century, with a 20th century shop front, the building is Grade II listed.

The Guildhall planning panel, which scrutinises proposed changes in the city centre has objected to the proposed change.

They said: “We object to the change of use because the noise and smell in close proximity to the residential accommodation.”

You can find out more details on the application on York’s planning website.