A car repair company has won its appeal against the council's refusal to allow its premises in Borehamwood to be used as a restaurant.

Humming Bird Motors applied for planning permission last year to change the use of its building at 2 Shenley Road as a takeaway/restaurant.

But Hertsmere Borough Council refused because it felt that another restaurant would affect the vitality of that particular parade of shops. The council wanted to see the building used as shop, although a Government planning inspector has now ruled that permission should be granted.

The inspector concluded that, without significant refurbishment work, the building, would not be suitable to be used as a shop. His report said: "At the present time the building makes no positive contribution to the street scene, or the viability and vitality of Borehamwood town centre."

Permission has been granted for the restaurant to be open from 8am to 11pm, Mondays to Saturdays, and 11am to 11pm on Sundays.

June 12, 2002 13:00