SENIOR figures at a struggling shopping centre have urged councillors to give their backing to plans for a new fish and chip restaurant as it looks to fill some of its empty units.

The application for a change of use for a unit in Queen Street Shopping Centre, in Darlington town centre, would see a restaurant with takeaway facilities replace an empty bakery, which closed six years ago.

The application, submitted by Kevin Turton, has won support from the shopping centre manager, the centre’s asset manager and the letting agent, which said the corner unit has spent longer on its books than any other property.

External seating within the mall’s thoroughfare would provide seating for eight people, as well as 24 internally.

The application, which will be considered by members of Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee on Wednesday (December 17) has attracted criticism from the Darlington Association on Disability (Dad) about a lack of access to the unit.

The applicant has asked to remove one of two existing entrances, which currently provides disabled access, to facilitate the layout of the restaurant and its equipment.

In a letter to the council, Dad argued against the removal of the wheelchair access point and questioned the applicant’s argument that a ramp in the remaining entrance would be too big.

It adds: “The exaggeration of the ramp having to run the full length of the unit is an example of looking for excuses not to have access for disabled people instead of looking for reasons to include them.”

The asset manager for Queen Street, Fairacre Management Ltd, and the letting agent, Brassington Rowan, have both argued against the use of a ramp, claiming it would add to the unit’s layout difficulties.

A letter from Fairacre Management Limited said: “We are doing everything we can to make the scheme an attractive centre for everyone.

“We still have far too many long term voids and we have less rental and service charge revenue to re-invest into the centre.

“The unit has been vacant now for a considerable period and given its awkward configuration, it is our opinion that if this letting does not proceed, it will remain vacant for the foreseeable future and I cannot see how this will benefit anyone.”

Brassington Rowan added: “The principal problem is the triangular shape which makes it extremely difficult to shop fit. The idea of placing a ramp and guard rail in front of the main elevation just compounds the problems.”

Recommending the approval of the application, planning officers for the council said: “It is considered that, on balance, whilst it is very unfortunate that the unit will not be fully accessible for wheelchair users, the applicant will make some provision to enable wheelchair users to benefit from the services being provided by the unit.”