PLANS have been submitted to assist the finding of a tenant or owner for a vacant village unit.

The premises in question is unit two of Sandymoor Local Centre, on Otterburn Street.

Plans have been submitted to Halton Borough Council’s planning department for a change of use of unit two from a previously approved class E to sui generis hot food takeaway.

Applicant Sandymoor Development Company says there is interest in the unit, which has been vacant since it was built, if the planned change is successful.

The unit is located in between Otterburns restaurant and Chatwins bakery, with no external works or alterations to the property proposed as part of this application.

It has been marketed for let and for sale since October 2019, with some interest received.

One was a hair and beauty parlour, but as a new business, it was not a strong enough covenant for the property.

A sunbed shop also expressed interest, however the property did not have sufficient power load to meet the interested party’s requirements.

Another interested party was a skin clinic, but the rental and sale prices were outside of the interested party’s budget, and it was therefore a viable opportunity.

Planning documents state: “While the property has attracted some interest, this was not suitable due to a number of factors.

“These include the strength of covenants, competing businesses, insufficient budgets and end operator requirements.

“As it stands, the property remains vacant and sits empty.

“It is capable of accommodating an alternative use such as that now being applied for, and for which there is confirmed operator interest.”