Discussions with a 'well-known national restaurant' to move into two units in Bath are in the 'latter stage'.

Southgate Limited Partnership has applied to change the use from retail (Class A1) to a restaurant (Class A3) at vaults 1-3 in Brunel Square.

In the planning and heritage statement, planning agent, Quod, has outlined the application to Bath and North East Somerset Council.

The statement says that Bertinet Bakery, in Brunel Square, does not intend to renew the lease for units 2 and 3 - which expires later this year.

Location plan for the application to BANES

It reads: "Unit 1 – 3 are approximately 90 sq m in total and are currently occupied by The Bertinet Bakery (Use Class A1) and Costa (Use Class A1 / A3).

"This scheme is being progressed to accommodate an identified occupier for the site and to ensure that the Southgate Centre continues to trade successfully.

"The reconfiguration of the units into one larger unit will assist in improving the vitality and viability of Brunel Square, and will provide new restaurant floorspace, in keeping with the neighbouring uses which form the Restaurant Quarter for the Southgate Centre.

"The total site area for the units is 90 sq m. The Unit which comprises Costa is currently 31.5 sq m (GEA) and The Bertinent Bakery is 55.5 sq m (GEA).

"The applicant is in the latter stage of discussions with a well-known national restaurant occupier for this unit. An agreement will be made on a ‘subject to planning’ basis.

"As officers will be aware, Costa Coffee recently opened a new unit on Southgate Street which is trading successfully. Costa no longer has a requirement for a second unit in such close proximity.

"The lease for units 2 and 3 expires later this year and Bertinet Bakery do not intend to renew. The Bertinet Bakery store in the city centre is currently sufficient for their commercial needs."

The application reference number is 19/02450/FUL.

The last day to comment on this is July 4 and the target decision date is July 30.

Got a view on this or another Bath story? Email richard.mills@reachplc.com.

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