'Dragon' restaurateurs unveil next big idea

Adam Hewitt • Published 4 Mar 2010 11:00 0 Comments

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THE business brains behind some of the area's best-known restaurants want to open a new one on the site of a run-down car showroom.

They say 23 jobs could be created under the plans, which would convert the former Kia dealership in Wokingham Road, Earley, next to the Esso Garage and near The George pub, into a swish, 120-cover restaurant with 14-bed hotel behind it.

The plans have been submitted by BnD Dining, whose directors started the hugely successful Loch Fyne and Bel and the Dragon restaurant chains, both of which have premises in Reading.

BnD director Ian Glyn, 59, who grew up in Sonning and lives near Watlington, promised "high standards of food, drink and service combined with a warm atmosphere, some theatre and loads of fun and hospitality".

He told The Chronicle: "It's a tremendous area but at the moment a horrible building. As with Bel and the Dragon in Kenavon Drive, we like taking distressed old sites and making something of them and this will be an exciting restaurant."

He said central Reading is "slightly over-restauranted" but that the dealership site was prime territory.

The planning application involves changing the permitted use of the land as well as modifying the parking spaces and the access from Wokingham Road. But a transport study by the applicants claims there would be less traffic created by the proposed restaurant and hotel than if a car showroom reopened on the site.

Alex Anderson, from the developer's agent Pegasus Planning Group, says in his report: "The site has been vacant for a number of years and is therefore deemed a suitable candidate for further development.

"Given the tough economic climate, it is understood that the site has not attracted a significant degree of interest from potential buyers. It is therefore welcomed that an applicant in BnD Dining's position is able to secure a deal with the landowner should this planning application be permitted."

The site would have 54 car parking spaces, down from the existing 67, but would include new spaces for vans, bikes, motorbikes and the disabled.

The developers say work would start immediately if the plans are approved. The Chronicle understands the application will be dealt with by officers under delegated powers rather than the full planning committee.

Comments on the plans (reference F/2010/0064) must be submitted by Wednesday.

Visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/environment/planning

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