Plans to convert a former Caribbean restaurant in Peterborough into flats have been resubmitted after initial rejection due to noise and odor concerns
Peterborough: Plans to turn an old Caribbean restaurant into flats are back on the table. The proposal was resubmitted to the city council after being rejected before.
The applicant, Bassanta Bhattarai, had his first application turned down in September 2024. The council was worried about noise and odors from the restaurant.
The site used to be Embe Afro-Caribbean restaurant, which closed last year. It was run by Nick Rutta and had both ground and first-floor dining.
Now, Mr. Bhattarai wants to convert the first floor into two one-bedroom flats. He also plans to add more residential units on the second and third floors while keeping the ground floor as a restaurant.
This new plan would create four new residential units, making a total of six. The restaurant will serve coffee and sandwiches with 40 seats.
Mr. Bhattarai believes the new setup will reduce noise and odors. He plans to use better extraction systems and limit cooking and music.
The application states that the new proposal will enhance the area’s character. The restaurant will only occupy the ground floor, and the new flats will be more appealing for city living.
Mr. Bhattarai thinks this plan uses the building more efficiently than before. He believes it will also improve the public space and increase foot traffic.
Peterborough City Council will decide on the application later.
