Green light for new Lounge bar in former HSBC building in Daventry

Planning permission has been granted to change a former bank building in Daventry into a new Lounge bar.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has approved the change of use planning application after Longers UK submitted plans earlier this year. The plans were backed by the community and there was a general excited feel among Daventry residents.

The popular bar and restaurant chain will now open a venue at the former HSBC site in Bowen Square in Daventry town centre, which closed its doors in September last year.

Planning permission was granted last month and WNC said in its decision notice that no hot-food or associated products should be served outside of 9am to 11pm Sundays to Thursdays and Bank Holidays, and 9am to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The chain already has 205 sites across the country in the form of ‘The Lounges’ and Cosy Club venues, including Kino Lounge in Kettering, Castello Lounge in Wellingborough, Lago Lounge in Rushden Lakes, Zapato Lounge in Northampton, Paletto Lounge in Corby and Bacco Lounge in Rugby.

Proposals submitted to West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) indicate a single storey extension on a grass area next to the building, which planners say would be “hidden by the entrance to flats that are on the upper floors”.

Planners also say the conversion of the former bank would represent around £1 million of investment and would create 30 jobs for the area, as well as welcoming a venue “with an emphasis on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for families (as well as four legged friends)”.

The applicants said in a planning statement: “The premises are located within the designated Daventry Town Centre, the application site is at the end of a rank of shops and the intention is to erect a small single storey extension on a small area of grass immediately adjacent to the property.

“Leases are for 15 years, so they invest very wisely and in high quality goods for every one of their sites; they are designed to last.

“Lounge’s history extends back to 2002, they have only closed six sites in total, the majority of which were legacy sites that were just too small for current offer and customer demand.

“Based on current proposals, the conversion of this property will represent an investment cost of approximately £1 million. Thus, not only do Lounges create jobs for their own business, they can assist in creating an employment draw for a much wider area, across both retail and hospitality.

“The extension would be hidden behind the entrance to the flats that are on the upper floors of the rank of shops.

“The new shopfront would match the other shopfronts in the centre. Accordingly, it is concluded that the proposal is in keeping with the character and appearance of the area.”

Following the submission of the planning application, a post was published on a public Facebook group - Daventry Notice Board, which garnered more than 350 like and nearly 150 comments, many of which were in support of the opening.

A lot of commenters welcomed the prospect of having another place to eat in the town, with many pointing out the extensive options the chain offers celiacs. Another added: “Anything that makes our town more vibrant is welcome”.