Plans for a new restaurant and cafe at vacant premises in Prestwich have been approved.

The former computer retail shop on Bury New Road has had a change of use application passed this week by Bury Council.

Applicant Samual Terris-Taylor stated in his application: “This planning application relates to a downstairs unit currently configured as a computer retail and repair space.

“The work, plus additional cosmetic work will enable the space to operate as a sit down cafe and restaurant.”

He added that the work to the building will include opening out the kitchen area and knocking through internally from this area into existing extension.

It is planned to alter the shop frontage by forming a hatch in the glazed opening and a part tiled front.

An awning would be erected over the ground floor shop front with the existing roller shutter to be retained.

The proposed hours of opening for the restaurant are Monday to Friday and Sundays 9am to 10pm, and Saturdays 9am to midnight.

Prestwich has seen an increase in restaurant and bar openings in recent years.

The nearby Longfield Shopping Centre has full occupancy and is set to be redeveloped along with new civic buildings and apartments in coming years.

Last May, property website Rightmove listed Prestwich in the top-ten most popular spots in the UK for home buyers

An officer report on the application, said: “The premises are located within a town centre and busy shopping centre and front a main road and major route through the borough.

“There are a variety of different types of uses, including shops, offices, cafe’s, pubs and takeaways.

“The proposed development would bring back into use a vacant premises and as a cafe and restaurant, would continue to draw footfall to the shopping and town centre.

“There are a mix of uses on the centre offering a variety of goods and services and it is considered the proposed use would continue to support the vitality and viability of the centre.”