Plans have gone in to change the use of the building
Plans have gone in for a site in Gas Lane
A former vehicle repair garage in the heart of Bristol’s St Philips could soon be reborn as a restaurant and indoor recreation venue.
The application, lodged with Bristol City Council by Yummiz Limited, seeks permission to change the use of the ground-floor premises at 3 Gas Lane from vehicle repairs to a mix of restaurant and indoor sport/recreation uses.
According to the Design and Access Statement prepared by architect P.J. Orchard, the venue would offer ‘hot and cold food principally for eating inside the premises’ alongside “indoor sport/recreation activities such as snooker”.
Provision for takeaway and delivery services is included.
The building, a mid-century industrial structure with a hard-standing yard, has a history of commercial use, previously serving as a South Western Electricity Board site in the 1950s and more recently as a vehicle servicing and diagnostics outlet. It is not considered to hold any significant historic value.
Yummiz Limited’s plans include restoring the building’s street-facing façade, removing existing boarding, reinstating windows, and installing new aluminium sliding doors in place of roller shutters.
At the back, a kitchen ventilation system incorporating electrostatic and carbon filters with silencers is proposed, ensuring compliance with environmental and operational standards. Illuminated over-fascia signage is also planned.
(Image: Getty Images/EyeEm)
Internally, the refurbishment will involve redecoration, toilet upgrades, and the installation of kitchen fittings including grease-trapped sinks.
The proposal specifies that no new utilities connections are required, and existing rainwater drainage will remain unchanged.
In terms of environmental considerations, the site qualifies for exemption under the Biodiversity Gain Requirements (Exemptions) Regulations 2024.
The statement confirms that, ‘the entirety of grounds within the site consists of hardstanding surfaces or buildings’, and that the development ‘does not impact any on-site priority habitat’.
Economically, the project aims to breathe new life into the vacant premises, formerly employing three staff, and bring new employment opportunities to the area.
“This business will provide employment opportunity to the area,” the statement notes, citing support from local planning policy. “Proposals that result in the retention and improvement of existing employment sites and premises will be encouraged.”
Waste management arrangements will remain unchanged, with Yummiz committing to regular collections via a licensed private contractor, and ensuring bins are placed on the public footpath only during designated times.