Green light for banqueting hall

The old Cages Limited building in Wesley Place will be used to host weddings and other celebrations.

An application to change the site’s use said it would allow Mr Y Chotia to bring the whole building into regular use, making it less of a target for vandals.

It also sought permission for extensions at the front and back of the building, increasing the venue’s floor space by 365 sq m.

No objections were received and last Thursday planning officers gave the go-ahead for work to begin.

A glass extension will be added to the front of the building, allowing passers-by to see the original stone facade.

The ground floor will be redesigned to accommodate a banqueting hall with stage, a kitchen and servery.

Banqueting facilities will also be available on a mezzanine floor and the lower ground floor.

A prayer room and separate washing facilities for men and women will be added to meet the needs of Muslim families hosting events there.

Six parking spaces and five cycle spaces will be created for the venue, which is expected to employ five full-time and 10 part-time staff.

The application said it was expected to be open daily, 8am-2am.