Southwell Town Council raise no objections to plans for former Piano restaurant, Westgate

Plans for a restaurant have faced no objection from a council.

Southwell Town Council supported plans to remove an internal wall between the kitchen and restaurant and block up an unused rear door between the upper floor flats’ lobby and the bar at 1 Westgate — the former Piano restaurant.

The small change follows plans which were approved in August 2023, for the demolition and replacement of a rear extension to the property, internal alterations, refurbishment and replacement of internal and external doors, internal and external repairs and redecoration.

If approved, it will create a spacious and accessible restaurant space.

Approved plans include a large rear ground floor extension to create a larger rear dining area with ramp access, with bi-fold doors opening onto a courtyard overlooking the Minster — and the kitchen would also be open to the dining space if the new plans are approved by Newark and Sherwood District Council.

The centre of the property will house a bar area, WCs and an accessible WC, lobby, and fire escape stairs for the flats above.

Existing WCs are to be removed and the area converted to storage for the flats above.

The front dining room, overlooking Westgate, is largely unchanged, although redecoration is planned.

Fire safety improvements were also planned throughout the property.