A PLAN has been submitted to extend an award-winning Stourbridge Indian restaurant.

A planning application seeks to extend Bombay Pickles in Lower High Street by converting the neighbouring hair salon for use by the restaurant and adding a first floor rear extension.

A design and access statement submitted to Dudley Council planners says permission is sought to use 21 Lower High Street “as part of the restaurant with the ground floor to be used as waiting area and first floor customer seating linked to the existing restaurant.”

It adds: “As the site already has class E the proposal will be converted under permitted development with first floor rear extension to create extra customer seating/storeroom.

“Externally the shopfront will be changed to number 21 to timber frame bi-folding doors, the proposed extension to the rear will be finished to match the existing materials. Internally the building will be finished to a modern elegant appearance.”

It says the existing shopfront would be retained on the existing restaurant.

The statement adds: “The proposed rear extension will provide extra customer seating space and waiting area on the ground floor, and the new timber frame bi-folding door shopfront to number 21 will create a fresh welcoming appearance.

“The existing restaurant has been operating for many years and has won many food awards, the proposed extension will create extra seating with growing number of people coming and the existing restaurant not having the space to accommodate them.

“The changes to the existing building would help bring up the surrounding area and attract customers and other businesses.”