Councillors welcome new chain restaurant

PLANS to refurbish a former fine dining restaurant in Henley have been welcomed by town councillors.

The Grade II listed building in Market Place has been closed since Crockers closed in October 2022.

It is to become a new branch of the Italian restaurant chain Piccolino, which is due to open in June.

The Independent Group says it plans to spend £2 million renovating the building and has applied for planning permission to remove internal walls, raise floors and demolish a wooden pagoda.

The company also wants to erect a new retractable canopy in the courtyard, install bi-fold doors, repaint frontage and install a retractable awning.

The planning committee recommended approval subject to the agreement of the heritage officer at South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority.

The committee also welcomed maintenance work due to be carried out at the Relais Henley hotel in Hart Street.

The hotel has applied for permission to replace a timber lintel and repair brickwork as recommended by a structural engineer.

Councillor Michelle Thomas said: “This looks like essential works to me and it’s a sign that this is a responsible proprietor of this establishment.”

The committee also recommended approval of a new garage at a house in St Mark’s Road.

Chris Pierce wants to demolish a prefabricated single garage and build a brick-built garage with a flat roof in its place.

The garage would have a roller shutter door at the front and a patio door at the back.

Cllr Thomas said she was concerned the garage might be used as living accommodation.

The committee recommended approval subject to a condition that the building is used as a garage and remains ancillary to the house.

All three applications will be decided by the district council.