A popular Chinese takeaway in Somerset could relocate to a former hardware store if new plans are approved.

Qiaoping Chen runs the Top Chef Chinese and Thai takeaway on the A30 Fore Street in Chard town centre through her company Ocean Grace Ltd.

Mrs Chen has applied to relocate her business to the former Martin’s of Chard store on Holyrood Street, which closed its doors in July 2021.

South Somerset District Council is expected to make a decision on the plans by the end of the summer.

Mrs Chen purchased the building at 9A-11 Holyrood Street at auction shortly after its closure, including the first floor which will become staff accommodation.

The new site will be open between 5pm and 9:30pm daily, save for a later 10pm closure on Saturdays.

Jim Bletcher from Alban Building Consultancy (representing the applicant) said much of the unit’s existing character will be preserved during the refurbishment.

He said: “The applicants need to relocate their established business, Top Chef Chinese Takeaway, from their present leasehold premises at 1 Fore Street.

“The two full-time staff who have living accommodation above the current takeaway will also move to the new premises.

“After being unoccupied for a year the building, although structurally sound, requires extensive refurbishment which will be carried out as part of this proposal.

“The street frontage will remain largely unaltered with all of the existing features retained.”

Holyrood Street has been altered considerably as part of the council’s flagship Chard regeneration scheme, with parking on the one-way street being altered or relocated and new paving laid to improve the area’s appearance.

Mr Bletcher said the takeaway’s opening times and a new delivery service would help to alleviate any traffic issues which may arise.

He said: “The proposed opening hours for the new take-away will be when most other commercial premises are closed, and there is sufficient parking space available for the use of their customers.

“A home delivery service will reduce the number of customer car journeys, a proportion of customers will be on foot, and the premises are near to bus routes with stops close by.

“Staff and customer parking need, sand the type and frequency of delivery traffic to the new takeaway, should be very similar to those of the original shop premises.”

The council is expected to make a decision on the relocation proposals by the early-autumn.