Edinburgh shop to become new buffet restaurant after Dalry plans approved despite 19 objections

Hot World Cuisine Ltd acquired the single storey flat roofed commercial property at 118 - 126 Dalry Road for its proposal for a change of use from Class 1 shops to Class 3 food and drink, which was approved on March 3 by the council’s planning department.

The new buffet restaurant will create 20 full and part-time jobs for general staff and will offer a total of 168 covers for customers at the large unit, which was most recently a Locavore grocery and canteen and was previously an electrical store. The internal area of the building is 599.8sqm, which will now see alterations carried out to the shopfront and the introduction of a bin store.

The grocery store and canteen at Dalry Road will now be transformed into a new buffet restaurant. | Google Maps

In the planning documents, the applicant said: “The proposals will not cause any increase in noise, disturbance, or anti-social behaviour to the detriment of nearby residents. The restaurant is specifically unlicensed to avoid the implications of alcohol related affects upon the local residents. There is not a specific concentration of restaurants within the immediate locale.

“This will create approximately 20 full and part-time jobs with a minimal impact upon the building fabric and streetscape of the area, further enhancing the 20 minute neighbourhood by providing a local service, which sources its ingredients locally and will stimulate local businesses. The proposals are compliant with national and city planning policies.”

The plans were approved despite 19 objections, citing issues including increased traffic, littering, noise and a possible impact on local businesses.

Local resident Rosario Sartore said: “I oppose this license due to the probable increase in traffic, noise, and anti-social behaviour. These changes would make our area less safe and less accessible, as well as diminish the residential character of our neighbourhood, which is currently quiet and peaceful.”

Imtyaz Ahmed added: “This is most likely to have a major affect on already existing small businesses some of which have operated as part of the community for over a decade.

“With a food factory such a buffet restaurant comes a lot of noise and disturbance as well as pollution with the amount of cars that will drive on an already very busy main road causing disturbance.”

While local business owners including Mohammed Tahir and Muhammag Maqsood highlighted the impact this new restaurant could have on them, as well as raising parking concerns.

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Approving the plans, the council’s chief planning officer David Givan said: “The proposal is acceptable and would accord with the objectives of relevant policies within the LDP and NPF 4. No material considerations that outweigh this conclusion.”

The proposals include an increase in toilet facilities to meet the occupancy and the planning of the buffet restaurant and accommodation of a new flue and refuse/recycling area. Alterations to the shopfront will modify the entrance into the premises.

There will also be a new reception desk, the formation of perimeter hot food serveries, a dessert servery area, a waiting area, an office and a soft drinks bar. As well as central area seating booths and the installation of a commercial kitchen area.

Hot World Cuisine currently operates a number of buffet restaurants in Glasgow and Paisley, with a property acquired in Stirling pending a full planning application and listed building consent.