The town centre in Newquay is set for a boost following a popular eatery's plans to expand.

A change of use planning application to adapt 60, East Street into a Poco Loco restaurant and takeaway along with a café, office and two self-contained flats has been submitted to Cornwall Council.

Poco Loco already has an eatery in Prow Park where it has made a name for offering locally sourced burritos, bowls, and nachos as well as slow-smoked meats.

Evans Planning, on behalf of the applicant, said: “The proposal seeks to adapt the existing premises of 60 East Street, Newquay, which the applicants have recently purchased, into a mixed use of two separate units at ground floor level consisting of a takeaway, restaurant for Poco Loco, who are already based out at Treloggan Industrial Estate, and an adjacent cafe, with an office at first floor level, and two self-contained residential flats at first and second floor level.

“The proposal relates to the refurbishment of the existing building to allow for the takeaway/restaurant and a café use at ground floor, an office space at first floor and two residential flats at the first and second floor levels.

“The first floor was most recently used as a tattoo studio and the remainder of the building as two residential flats. The building retains a number of its traditional characteristics, and elements of the traditional shopfront do remain.

“The building is currently appearing rather tired and is in much need of care and refurbishment.

“Ultimately the changes are predominately internal reconfigurations, with the external adaptations leading to a sympathetic uplift to the current fabric of the building, reutilising the existing shopfront.

The rear yard will be reconfigured, including the demolition of outbuildings to allow for variations in parking arrangements, outdoor communal space alongside other minor works. An outdoor decking area will be provided to the front in association with the ground floor.

“Further, it should also be stressed that Poco Loco are a successful local business, and their existing premises at Treloggan Industrial Estate are extremely popular.

“The proposal will enable for the business to provide for a dedicated takeaway and restaurant facility within the town centre itself, allowing for it to expand and evolve. The use in broad terms is considered to be an approximate 60:40 split between takeaway and internal eating.

“The use will cease at the latest of 9.30pm. As a final point, the proposal will also lead to refurbishment and active uses of a recognised building of value

“Ultimately, and amongst other matters, the refurbishment of 60 East Street will help to enhance the vitality of the town centre; deliver high‐quality residential accommodation; provide modern commercial and office space; improve the building’s appearance and functionality; ensures good living conditions for existing and future occupiers, and will supports sustainable transport objectives

“The proposal therefore benefits from the presumption in favour of sustainable development. It follows that the application, should therefore be approved without delay.”